Taking good care of your car can help keep your car in good shape and help keep it away from the mechanic. New car warranties and used car warranties are a good idea to help keep the cost of owning a vehicle down. Keep these simple maintenance tips in mind to help keep your car in tip-top shape:

The battery in your car is a good place to start. Most of the batteries in cars today don’t require much maintenance and are sealed, meaning they can last you up to three years time. If you are having difficulty starting your engine, it is time to for a battery replacement.

The next part of your car to check is your tires. Temperature change can deflate your tires, so it is important to check your tire pressure regularly and make sure that it matches the recommended level for your tires and vehicle. Also it is important to keep a spare tire in your car at all times because you never know when you’ll need it. Lastly, for tires it is important to rotate them approximately every six thousand miles to prevent uneven wear, and when they do become worn it is important to have your tires changed. Checking the alignment of your car is a good thing to do if there is uneven tire wear.

Next up on the list is checking the engine oil. Checking and changing the oil is very important in order to keep your engine running correctly. It is best to change the lubricant on your car approximately every three thousand miles or every three to six months. You should also be sure to check the oil level in your car while the engine isn’t running and the car is parked on a flat surface. If you see that oil needs to be added then either bring it to a shop to get it added, or if you know how to, then add it yourself. If you add it yourself be sure not to overfill because it could harm your car’s engine.

Also, it is extremely important to check the automatic transmission fluid. Find a reservoir marked ATF, which stands for “automatic transmission fluid,” and follow the same procedure as checking the oil level, except you must have your engine running. You should change your automatic transmission fluid about every thirty thousand miles.

Your engine coolant is another thing to keep in mind. Most engine coolant or antifreeze should be changed every thirty thousand miles, or every two to three years. To monitor the engine coolant level, turn your car off and wait for the engine to cool off. Find the coolant reservoir, which is usually a clear tank, and observe the level of the coolant next to the full and low markers.

You should also check the power steering fluid in your car. It should be replaced approximately every three years or every fifty thousand miles. If you have a power steering fluid reservoir, check the level visually. If you do not have a reservoir, check using the dipstick process. Low levels of power steering fluid could mean there is a leak, in which case your mechanic should take a closer look for you.

Checking your brakes and fluid is very important in basic car maintenance. Make certain that the brake fluid levels are within acceptance. Indicators of a brake problem include noise or vibration when you use the brakes. Your mechanic should look at your brakes if you notice a problem.

Your air filter should also be properly maintained. It is recommended that you change your air filter every year or every twelve to fifteen thousand miles. A clean air filter can help your engine run better, increase gas mileage, and cut down damaging emissions.

You should also have your fuel filter checked. It should be replaced each year in order to stop debris from blocking your vehicle’s fuel line.

Windshield wipers and fluid should also be properly maintained. The blades should be changed around every six to twelve months, or when the rubber is worn. Also, be sure to check and refill your car’s wiper fluid every week.

The last part of your car you should pay close attention to is your headlights and brake lights. Turn your car on and while it is parked, have a friend or family member look to see that your lights are all working. If a light is out make sure to have your mechanic replace your bulbs.

In addition, it is important to make sure you have a good auto warranty that can cover you in event that your car is in need of repair.