Things You'll Need:
- Owner's manual to your car
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Step 1
Once a year it is important to have your car tuned up. Take it to a local auto repair shop (one you trust), or a dealership. Have the service people check, the plugs, hoses, fluids, the battery, tire pressure and even do a diagnostic check on your car to see if there is any major repairs you need done. Doing this will help you stay on top of the maintenance needs of you car.
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Step 2
Change the oil every 3000 miles. Find a reputable oil changing place and stick with the same one. If possible, see if you can find money saving coupons for this place. Don't settle for the low grade oil because of finances. Ask for the Castrol Oil. It is a better lubricant for your engine and worth the extra cost in the long run. Generally, a good oil change will run anywhere from $15 to $26 dollars. Don't be talked into any other service while getting your oil changed. Stick to JUST the oil change. When you have your tune-up with a mechanic then worry about other things like air filters and valve covers. Make sure you get a date sticker put on your windshield so that you can keep track of when to have it done again.
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Step 3
Check your oil and tire pressure every other time you get gas. Your car burns oil and sometimes it may be neccessary to put a quart of oil in it. Checking your oil randomly will help keep the engine lubricated between changes. Having low air pressure on your tires on your car can cause the alignment to be off and even cause a blowout.
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Step 4
Check the tread on your tires and have them rotated at least once a year. An easy way to check the tread is with a penny. Stick a penny in the tread grooves. Good tread will cover over half the penny. If the tread doesn't even reach the penny, rotate the front tires to the back and get two new tires. Front tires wear out faster than back tires. Retreaded tires are inexpensive. I recommend these places for tires: Discount Tires, Wal-Mart Tire Center and Costco Tire Center.
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Step 5
Have your brakes checked when you rotate your tires. The pads should be changed at least every year. Also have the rotors checked and turned.
