Basic Car Maintenance to Keep Your Car Humming

Whether you're driving a coupe through the city or hauling big loads in a truck, most vehicles need the same basic maintenance. Here are nine car maintenance essentials that will keep your vehicle in good condition.

Engine oil keeps your engine lubricated and running smoothly. Oil also removes dirt and grime from the engine, so over time, it becomes dirty. That's why you need regular oil changes. Most vehicles need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or at least once a year (and often three to four times a year). Check your owner's manual to see the recommended timeline for your vehicle and which type of oil you should use.

Learn more: How Often Should You Change Your Car's Oil?

Tires endure a lot of wear and tear, so it's not surprising that they need to be maintained. There are three main tire maintenance items to consider every year:

• Check the air pressure monthly. Having the right air pressure helps you get better gas mileage and avoid flats. Check your pressure monthly. The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle can be found on a sticker inside the driver's side door.
• Check the treads quarterly. Treads are the grooves on your tires that help filter moisture to give you a good grip on the road. Here's a simple test: Take a quarter and insert it into the thread, with the top of the president's head pointed down. If you can still see the top of the head, the groove is too shallow and it's time to buy new tires.
• Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Rotating your tires keeps them from wearing in an uneven pattern and helps them last longer. Keep it simple by rotating your tires every time you get an oil change.

Learn more: 8 Ways To Make Your Tires Last Longer

In addition to engine oil, plenty of fluids need to be topped off throughout the year and changed at certain intervals. To be safe, check your fluids once a month and top them off as needed.

• Brake fluid: Brake fluid should be replaced every 45,000 miles, but you should check it more often and top it off whenever the level approaches the minimum line on the dipstick.
• Transmission fluid: Transmission fluid should be topped off when the dipstick indicates the level is low. It should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (check your owner's manual for specific recommendations for your vehicle) or any time the fluid is dark or smells burned.
• Power steering fluid: Power steering fluid should be topped off as needed and flushed every 40,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on your vehicle.
• Coolant: Coolant should be topped off when the level is low. It doesn't generally need to be changed, but if your car is overheating, flushing your coolant might help.
• Windshield wiper fluid: Top it off as needed so you can always have a clear view.

Engine and cabin air filters keep dirt, dust and pollution from entering your car. They should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. If you drive on dirt roads, job sites or dirty city streets, you may need to have the filters replaced more often.

Wipers are an essential safety item that you may not appreciate until they stop working well. Replace wipers once or twice a year, and be proactive so you don't get stuck in a storm with subpar wipers.

Brakes are a wearing part that generally need to be replaced every 50,000 miles. That varies widely based on your driving habits, so look for signs that you need new brakes, including:

• Screeching or grinding noise
• Needing to press harder to stop the vehicle
• The vehicle pulling to one side when you brake
• Vibration when braking

Car batteries generally last three to five years. Replace your battery when you start noticing signs that your battery is low, including dim lights, slowly rolling windows or a car that's slow to start.

Spark plugs help your engine fire and burn gasoline. They need to be replaced roughly every 30,000 miles, although some can last as long as 100,000 miles. Check your owner's manual and learn to watch for signs that you need new spark plugs, including decreased gas mileage and engine misfires.

Learn more: How Much Does Replacing Spark Plugs Cost?

Headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are essential for staying safe (and avoiding tickets). Check that they're working each month, and replace them when needed.

Before the winter months, prepare for snow, ice and cold temperatures. Remember that cold temperatures can impact the maintenance items above. For example, frigid air can drain batteries and lower tire pressure. In addition:

• If needed, put on snow tires.
• Assemble a winter car safety kit.

Warm temperatures present their own challenges. To beat the heat, top off your coolant and check it more regularly. Check your air conditioner, and recharge the system if it's not cooling enough.

When it comes to car maintenance, you want to get it right. Here are some basic dos and don'ts when it comes to the upkeep of your vehicle.

DO

• Make a maintenance schedule and follow it. Designate a day each month to check your fluids, tire pressure and other essentials.
• Check your owner's manual. This book is full of information on recommended maintenance schedules, as well as information on the types of fluids and products that will work best for your vehicle.
• Keep records. Knowing when maintenance was last performed can help you make an informed choice when car trouble arises.

DON'T

• Skip out on maintenance. Although it might seem like a way to save money, skipping routine maintenance will cost you in the long run.
• DIY beyond your skill level. While you may be able to perform some maintenance yourself, it's best to leave complicated jobs to the professionals.
• Ignore warning lights. Dashboard warning lights are a sign that something in your car needs attention. See a mechanic to help diagnose the issue.

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