1. Change your oil regularly. Check your owner’s manual for recommended frequency for your particular vehicle. Typically it should be done somewhere between every 3,000 miles or 3 months to 7,500 miles or 6 months. Don’t forget to change the oil filter as well.

2. Wash and wax your car. Try to keep it covered whenever possible by either covering with a cloth cover or parking it in a garage or under a carport.

3. Be sure to change the air filter annually. Your engine cannot run properly if your air filter is clogged. A clogged air filter also leads to fuel inefficiency.

4. Get your transmission fluid changed once every 30 or 60 thousand miles. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines as to frequency.

5. Maintain proper coolant levels. If you don’t top off these fluids, you could cause your engine to have a meltdown. Check cooling system hoses regularly too and repair or replace when necessary.

6. Drain your radiator. Refer to your owner’s manual for how often this procedure should be done.

7. Keep your tires properly inflated and get them rotated. Most manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for your specific car model.

8. Change your spark plugs. Follow your vehicle’s manufacturer’s guidelines for how frequently the plugs should be changed.

9. Check your exhaust system. The exhaust system not only muffles your car’s noise, but also redirects the engine’s combustion byproducts away from the passengers.

10. Find a mechanic you trust and get regular checkups for your car. Get on a regular maintenance schedule and stick to it.