Proper car maintenance goes an awful long way not only for saving money, but for keeping your vehicle running a long time! Yet many folks don’t bother too much with following the appropriate guidelines in order to achieve the maximum benefits. It is a combination of ignorance, laziness, or even the fear of how automobiles work! It doesn’t have to be this way, and a good rule of thumb is to follow your owners manual as the first line of defense. A car is a combined set of systems that should operate together in harmony so that the maximum efficiency can be utilized. Car manufacturers invest billions of dollars in research and development so that the owner can get these benefits with the least amount of aggravation and repair. But the car owner has to follow a few simple rules to achieve these benefits! Let’s take a look at the some of the easiest yet most important tips for proper car operation. Always make sure there is the right amount of oil in your car. This goes without saying, but oil is just like blood in the human body, it must be the right amount in order for the engine to perform normally. It also must be changed according to the owner’s manual to get the metal filings and other invasive substances out that the oil picks up during engine operation. In other words, keep it clean! Luckily, engine oil is a miracle of technology, and the synthetics like Mobil l do a great job of this. Tires are just like your shoes! Bad soles equals bad tread, so make sure you check your tires as often as possible so that there is the right amount of pressure in them. Also check for nails, glass or bumps that might signal broken or faulty belts. This can cause the car to ride “bumpy” as well, and in the worse case scenario will cause blowouts! Also, proper air pressure means better gas mileage and more savings to you! Fluids such as anti-freeze and brake fluid always need to be checked by qualified mechanics. You can check them yourself if you know what your doing, otherwise have your mechanic check them at least twice a year. Luckily, cars today have on-board computers that let the driver know if they are low on these fluids, as well as a host of other important items. Using the “idiot lights” on your vehicle, as well as following your owners manual should avoid the costly repairs that we all dread! Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil