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Fill the fluids. Humans run into problems if they don't get enough fluids, and that goes for your car, too -- especially in the warmer months. Check your car's vital fluid systems to ensure that your oil, coolant, transmission, brake and windshield wiper fluid levels are where they're supposed to be, and make sure hoses are intact and free of leaks.
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Obey the maintenance schedule. You should always know and follow your vehicle's Manufacturer's Recommended Maintenance Schedule.
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Tires can be deadly. Driving with improperly inflated tires or tires worn past their limits can easily result in a serious accident or undue wear on your vehicle. Always insure your tires are inflated to the pressure specified in your owner's manual and replace tires that show excessive wear.
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Be observant.
If you realize your car is leaving random oily spots in your garage, the car may have an engine oil or automotive fluid leak that requires repair.
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Be suspicious of smells. When your car smells funny, it may be letting you know that something needs attention. For example, if your car smells like it's burning rubber, you may be riding the brakes, or driving with one foot on the brake and one foot on the accelerator.
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Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family. Today's vehicles are designed to "warm up" fast, so forget about those long idles on cold winter mornings.
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Drive gently. Avoid sudden accelerations and jerky stop-and-go's. Use cruise-control on open highways to keep your speed as steady as possible.
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Keep your engine tuned up. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended.
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A/C Maintenance. Run your car 's air conditioner for about five minutes each month, even during the winter. This keeps the system well lubricated and helps prevent failures.
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Brakes. Your vehicle's most critical system is its brakes. Many people never look at the master cylinder until they have brake failure.
Look for leaks where the brake lines attach to the master cylinder and where the master cylinder bolts to the power booster.
