Our cars are incredible machines, designed to take us anywhere we want to go in almost any type of weather condition. As a result, it’s important that we take care of our cars by performing the routine maintenance when it’s due. All cars have a few general areas that should be checked at specific time intervals. Keeping up with the routine maintenance on your vehicle will keep it running in optimal condition and extend the life and performance of your car.

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Change Your Oil
Oil is considered liquid gold for your car. It can’t run without it. This is why it’s a good idea to change your oil at the recommended mileage checkpoints. Clean oil and a new oil filter will keep your car performing as it should. Typically, your oil should be changed every 3,000 miles, if you drive an older vehicle. However, modern technology has made it possible to go longer periods of time before requiring an oil change on newer cars. The suggested schedule for newer cars is every 7,5000 to 10,000 miles. However, between oil changes, you still need to consistently check your oil levels to ensure that they are adequate, and add oil as needed. You can even check your gas to make sure it’s burning at an optimal level with the flue gas analyzer.

Check Your Brakes
Lots of driving and frequent stopping can wear on your brakes over time. When it’s time to service them, more often than not there are tell-tell signs. You may notice loud squeaking noises when you apply the brakes, grinding signs, slower stopping, and pulling to one side. These are all signs that your car is trying to tell you that it needs new brakes. If you notice any of these symptoms, have them checked right away. If you continue to drive your car when it needs new brake pads you run the risk of ruining your rotors which are even more costly to replace.

Keep an Eye on Your Tires
Your tires are shoes for your car. As a result, it’s important that your car wears shoes that are in good condition, if you want it to continue to take you everywhere you want to go. Worn tires perform poorly in inclement weather conditions and don’t provide enough traction for abrupt stopping. As a result, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your tire’s tread and pressure and make sure that they are at the right levels. This will ensure that your car can do what it needs to do when it comes to your tires.

As a car owner, there are several things that you can do to ensure that your car runs well and is safe to drive. Get familiar with your cars manual to find out when you should have the scheduled maintenance done. It will keep you safe and boost the performance of your car.