You might not know it, but car maintenance is one of the most important things you can do for your vehicle.

We’ve all been in a situation where we’re driving and suddenly our car breaks down. It’s scary and we feel lost, frustrated, and angry that we didn’t take care of our car when we should have. Car problems can be expensive and in some cases dangerous if not handled right away. If you’re wondering how to best upkeep your vehicle and stay on top of any potential problems, follow these 8 simple tips.

Keep your car’s fluids topped off

Keeping your car’s fluids topped off is an important part of car maintenance. That way, you’ll know when one or more of the fluids in your vehicle is running low. You never want to let them get too low because it could cause bigger problems in the long run.

One fluid that needs to be checked often is your windshield washer fluid. Many people don’t realize that this type of fluid can also be used for other things besides just cleaning your windshield. It’s a good idea to refill it every time you get gas or at least once a month if you do not use it very often.

It’s also crucial to have the right kind of oil in your engine at all times. The best oils are synthetic and high quality brands are widely available at many local auto parts stores. If you don’t know how often you should change the oil, check with your manufacturer or ask your mechanic for help.

Change your air filter

It’s important to remember to check your air filter regularly. If you smell something funny or if your car is shaking, you might need a new one.

Air filters are designed to keep debris out of the engine and help it run smoothly. But they do more than that: They protect the car’s vital parts like the engine, transmission, and fuel system. Air filters also reduce gas mileage by up to 20 percent, according to AAA.

So don’t forget to change it at least every 12 months!

Do oil changes on time

Oil changes are one of the most important things you can do for your car. Changing your oil on time will help to prevent any engine problems and reduce the chances of your engine seizing up.

It’s easy to forget about this little detail when you’re busy with other things, but it’s worth investing in an oil change reminder service like Oil Drop. This way, you’ll never forget to get your car serviced again!

If you don’t want to wait to miss out on these benefits, keep reading for more tips!

Check tire pressure monthly

Most people are aware of the importance of regularly checking their tire pressure for safety reasons, but you may not realise that maintaining proper tire pressure can also save you money. One study found that the under-inflated tires cause 56 billion miles of unnecessary driving per year.

Under-inflated tires also contribute to premature brake and suspension wear since the tires don’t provide enough friction on the ground. This can lead to more frequent and costly repairs.

You should check your tire pressure at least once a month, even if it’s cold outside; car care experts recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a week when it’s cold. You should also rotate your tires every 6,000 miles to ensure even wear and avoid uneven treads that could lead to a blowout or worse.

Get an oil change every 3 months for regular use

This is a maintenance tip that you should never avoid. You will find that an oil change every 3 months will help keep your car running smoothly and also protect it from costly problems.

Do a tune-up once a year

A tune-up should be done once a year by a certified mechanic. This is essential for keeping your car running at its best. A tune-up will include checking the spark plugs, checking the oil, and other parts of the engine, such as belts and pulleys.

A tune-up will also ensure that your car’s cooling system is working properly. This can prevent expensive repairs in the future.

Replace wiper blades when they’re old or worn

Believe it or not, wiper blades are one of the most important parts of your car’s maintenance. Wiper blades help you see outside and stay safe and that’s why it’s important to keep them in good condition.

When wipers are old or worn out, they can streak your windshield and make it hard for you to see outside. Having bad wipers also means you could be driving unsafely because you might miss something important like a police officer or a pedestrian waiting to cross the street.

It’s easy to forget about the importance of wipers, but this is one thing that should always be done when car maintenance is performed. It only takes a few minutes and can save you from an expensive car problem down the line.

Have your car professionally inspected annually.

It’s important to have your car checked annually. You should have a professional inspect it and they will let you know if there are any problems, like a leaky valve or worn out brakes. If there are major problems, the mechanic will suggest preventative maintenance to fix them.

If you need a new battery or break pads, for example, the mechanic can do that while they’re there and save you a trip to the auto parts store in the future. And when everything is in good working order, they’ll remind you of all the things that you should be doing on your own to keep your car running smoothly.