One way to save money on buying a new or new-to-you car is to prolong the life of your existing vehicle. Or, if you plan to sell your vehicle, proper car maintenance will increase its resale value.

Routine oil changes are a no-brainer, but there are additional routine maintenance measures that can easily be overlooked. While this isn't a comprehensive list, it highlights some of the most overlooked car maintenance items that can help cut down on unnecessary car repair expenses and keep your car running smoothly.

A car battery lasts an average of two to five years. You can prolong the life of your battery by following some basic maintenance tips. You should check your battery annually and keep an eye out for warning signs that indicate your battery is nearing the end of its lifespan. A battery that registers at You can revive your vehicle by giving it a jump start if you left your lights on, but having to regularly jump your battery is a sign it needs to be left on a battery charger for at least 24 hours.

You should also check your car battery's terminals to make sure the connections are clean and free of debris buildup.

Also make sure the wires from the connectors are tight and without frays or breaks. If anything interrupts this flow of air, the engine will sputter or stall.

Most cars have at least one particulate filter for the air that is being sent into the engine for combustion. That engine air filter requires regular cleaning or replacement.

Replacement is nearly always the better option. Most air filters require replacement about every two oil changes, depending on the climate, contamination, and air quality where you live.

Filters are cheap enough that more frequent changes are better. Use only quality filters or insist that only quality preferably OEM filters be used. The fluids in your vehicle include engine oil, windshield washer fluid, grease, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and likely transmission fluid.

Some engines may have other fluids as well, such as diesel exhaust after-treatment. Most also have a way to determine how clean the fluid is. Motor oil and transmission fluid are accessed with dipsticks located inside the engine compartment. These should be checked regularly.

Windshield washer fluid is held in a reservoir that is usually visibly accessible from under the hood. Fill levels are generally assessed by looking at the filler spout or reservoir and viewing the fluid seen through the semi-opaque container. Brake fluid is easily accessible from underneath the hood as well.

The reservoir is usually located directly on top of the brake master cylinder, which is almost always on the firewall back wall of the engine compartment directly in front of the driver. Do not open this reservoir unless you are adding fluid. Never neglect them. Radiator coolant should also be checked regularly to make sure your level of coolant reaches the maximum fill line.

Grease is a different matter. Most of the time there's no easy to way to access grease points on your car. Some of them may even require partial disassembly of parts to access. For car owners, staying up-to-date on maintenance needs can help protect a vehicle from potential breakdowns and expensive car repairs down the road.

In fact, many essential maintenance tasks allow you to do it yourself without visiting an auto repair shop or ASE Certified mechanic. Keep your vehicle running properly for longer with these 10 DIY car maintenance tips:. It is also one of the first things you should check at the start of each season , as temperature changes can affect the pressure in your tires.

Poorly inflated tires can lead to potential issues, such as a tire blowout , suspension issues, and even less gas mileage. Simply take the cap off the tire valve and briefly place the tester on the connector to test the pressure.

The gauge will display the pressure in the tire, and you can fill it up from there with a compressor at a gas station. The maximum tire pressure will also often be printed on the tires themselves.

As with all heavily used components of any vehicle, your tires will eventually begin to wear down over time. With poor tire tread, your vehicle will have less control while on the road. This can be especially dangerous during or after a rainstorm or in other inclement weather.

Black ice in the wintertime can also pose a severe risk to vehicles with poor tire tread. Rest easy knowing services such as PSI checks and tire rotations are covered under your auto protection plan. Not having enough essential fluids or letting the fluid get dirty can cause serious damage to the components of your car.

Some of the essential fluids you will need to check are the engine oil , transmission fluid, engine coolant , power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. Each of these fluids should be checked regularly by looking at the reservoirs in the engine compartment and measuring their levels using a tool called a dipstick.

However, for most vehicles, the engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks are usually located on the right side of the engine compartment.

Next, remove the dipstick and check if the fluid comes up to the markings found on the dipstick. These will help tell you how much fluid you have left.

If you cannot see any fluid on the dipstick once removed, you can either add more of the specific fluid or change the fluid completely. Along with protecting your car in the event of an unexpected breakdown, Endurance Advantage also comes with annual service coverage, including up to 3 oil and filter changes per year.

Your engine air filter catches impurities from entering your engine when in use. Without a properly functioning engine air filter, you could be left with several problems, such as decreased engine performance, decreased fuel economy, or general ignition issues.

This filter is located towards the front of the engine compartment inside a rectangular plastic box. To quickly tell if your engine air filter is clean or dirty, check its color. Newer air filters will be more white or another vibrant color. Air filters in need of replacement will often be grey or discolored.

Staying safe while on the road goes without question, especially during the fall and winter months. One of the best ways to help you stay safe when faced with rain, snow, and sleet is with working wiper blades.

For most vehicles, your windshield wiper blades need to be replaced at least once a year. For those who live in areas with more frequent rain, you should look to replace your wiper blades more frequently. To know if your blades may need to be replaced, simply check to see if they are cracked or damaged.

Streaking on your windshield can also be a tell-tale sign your wiper blades need to be replaced. Then, you can lift the wiper up and away from the windshield. There should be a plastic hook holding the blade to be moved to remove the old blade. Then, you can simply snap the new wiper blade into place.

You can also save on the cost of a front or rear wiper blade set replacement with Endurance Advantage. Wiper blade replacement is one of many special, single-use services under each Endurance Advantage vehicle protection plan.

Gain peace of mind for the road ahead with comprehensive break coverage and unrivaled maintenance benefits. An often-overlooked maintenance task for many car owners is maintaining their spark plugs.

To do this, you can usually find your spark plugs located on the top of the engine block, which will have plug wires connected. Take the negative terminal off your battery and then remove the plug wires. From there, you should be able to unscrew the old spark plugs and put the new ones in.

Without proper cleaning, a buildup can occur that can disrupt the connection to the battery terminals and impede the charging of the battery from the alternator. You can clean your terminals by disconnecting the cable clamps and scrubbing them with a dry wire brush.

As a critical safety component of any car, truck, or SUV, your brakes should be one of the most thoroughly inspected parts of your vehicle.

Brake pads especially need to be replaced at least once every 40, miles. You will know that the time has come for a new set of brake pads if you notice things like squeaking when you apply the brakes or vibrations when turning. Keep your brakes working properly with an auto protection plan such as Endurance Advantage.

You can also utilize special, one-time services included in the plan, such as brake pad or shoe replacement. The interior cabin of your car has an air filter just like the engine does. Also, like your engine air filter, your cabin air filter needs to be replaced regularly, with most vehicle manufacturers recommending once every 15, miles.

You may also find them in the engine compartment close to the firewall. Like your engine air filter, the cabin filter should be white or off-white when it is new and will be discolored and dirty when it needs to be replaced.

Believe it or not, cleaning your car is one of the most effective car care procedures you can perform. Regardless of whether you have a used vehicle or a brand new car , regular washing and cleaning will help you avoid potential issues like rust.

Washing will also keep dirt and grime off the more delicate components like the ABS sensors and O2 sensors. A clean vehicle also gives you a chance to thoroughly inspect your vehicle and make sure it is in good condition.

Lighten your load Change your air filter Refresh your windshield wipers

Free car maintenance tips - Clean, protect, and refresh your floor mats Lighten your load Change your air filter Refresh your windshield wipers

Take a look! How much can skipping oil changes affect your budget? Oh, plenty. Oil problems can be some of the costliest car maintenance issues to fix, since oil affects pretty much everything your car does.

Do you hear a squeaking sound when you hit the brakes? If so, your brake pads could be on their last legs. Keep your brakes working. Plus, using an old air filter long past its life can lead to major problems for your air conditioning system.

Repairing or replacing your car after a crash will cost you way more than new wipers. Did you know you can easily extend the life of your tires just by rotating them every so often? If you find that one of the shocks needs to be replaced, go ahead and replace all four of them. Which is both gross and damaging.

The coolant affects everything from the heater and air conditioner to the radiator and water pump. If your engine is giving you trouble, one of the common reasons and easy fixes is the spark plugs. And guess what? Giving your belts and hoses a once-over can save you from a huge mechanic bill later down the road.

Worn-down belts can cause other damage to essential parts of your car. And if you have a weak radiator hose, it could go belly-up completely, which would cause your engine to overheat and not run at all. Tickets are expensive and can jack up your car insurance costs.

Also, your lights are another important safety feature. They help you see and communicate with other drivers. Skip the tickets. Stay safe. Check your lights. Depending on the state or even county you live in, your car may be required to pass a state emissions inspection.

By keeping up with the necessary car maintenance on your vehicle, it should pass with flying colors. Even though keeping up with car maintenance is less expensive than paying for major repairs, it can still add up.

Stay on top things by making sure car maintenance and repairs have a spot in the budget. One of the easiest ways to do that is by creating a sinking fund for car maintenance. There you go—13 car maintenance tips, and how to budget for them so you can enjoy the ride with less stress.

on your car and on you. Ramsey Solutions has been committed to helping people regain control of their money, build wealth, grow their leadership skills, and enhance their lives through personal development since Millions of people have used our financial advice through 22 books including 12 national bestsellers published by Ramsey Press, as well as two syndicated radio shows and 10 podcasts, which have over 17 million weekly listeners.

Learn More. Used cars may not be as cheap as they once were. It is recommended to have your tires rotated every 5, to 8, miles. Your Toyota Service Center professionals are maintenance experts, and tire rotation is just one of many services they can offer to you.

Check the balance of the tires during this appointment, too. Take a few moments to look at your car each day. There are a few reasons to do this, but the main reason has to do with vehicle health. Regularly reviewing your car clues you into things on the exterior that need tending to such as tire pressure, cracks in the windshield, and chipped paint.

When you're inspecting your car, be sure to check the lights are they hazy? clean them! and tire tread. Many tires have tread indicators, but if not, you can always use the penny test.

Stick a penny in the tread of your tires. If you can clearly see Lincoln's full head, it's probably time for new tires. If you can see some of his head, your tires are worn but still usable. No one likes seeing a warning light turn on.

It could turn a simple spin around town into a stressful drive home. That's why you should learn what each warning light means and what to do when one is on.

Often, having a warning light on is not a serious thing. It could mean you're low on gas or that your car is due for a scheduled service.

If one of these warnings come up, your car needs service as soon as possible. Your Toyota Dealer can always answer questions about warning lights as well.

Like tires and lights, it's a good idea to check your vehicle's fluid levels. Even if you leave changing them up to the pros, you should still know how to check them.

If you need help with checking the fluids, you can ask your dealer's Toyota mechanic for tips. The serpentine belt is one of the most important parts of your car and one that flies under the radar. Usually made of rubber, these belts are used to drive and assist timing of many important car parts, like the AC condenser, water pump, power steering, and alternator.

If damaged, your engine could overheat and stop. The serpentine belt is vital to your vehicle's performance and needs care. A timing belt or chain, on the other hand, can be found inside your engine.

Basically, the timing belt controls when the engine valves open and allows fuel and air into the cylinder. It can also drive the oil or water pump depending on engine type.

These belts feature teeth on the inside and are usually made of more sturdy materials such as neoprene, metals, but can also be made of rubber. Interference engines that use rubber timing belts rely on the integrity of the belt to run properly.

If the belt were to break while driving, catastrophic engine damage can occur. Vehicles that use timing chains rather than rubber timing belts may never need a replacement. While most modern batteries don't need much tending to, it's good to know how to check them and where they are.

This is especially true if you suspect there's an issue with your battery. The best time to check it is when you check your vehicle fluids.

Just take a quick look at your car battery while the hood is popped. If there is, don't worry. All you need to do is clean the contacts with a battery cleaning brush.

Your Toyota Service Center can handle this maintenance for you. Just follow these steps to get them looking new again:. Make sure you wear gloves and try not to touch any part of the corrosion. Old and worn-out windshield wipers won't work very well, or at all, which means you won't be able to see if you are driving in inclement weather.

Replace them before you think you need to. The best time to replace wipers is if your windshield is still dirty after running them. For example, if you see streaks after using the wipers, it may be time to get a new set.

Wipers are inexpensive and simple to replace. Your dealer, mechanic, and local auto parts store can all help you find the right wipers for your car. Your car "breathes" better with clean filters. According to FuelEconomy. gov, the official U. government source for fuel information, replacing filters improves acceleration and fuel economy.

Your vehicle's engine works best on a mixture of air and fuel. Any debris or other contaminants that get sucked into your engine along with air can damage its ability to run well. That's why it's important to replace a dirty or dusty filter for a cleaner engine. If you have been in an area with a lot of dirt and dust, check your air filter.

You may need to replace the air filter sooner than you think. Clean and working spark plugs are essential to a smooth running engine. However, as with the battery, your spark plugs can get covered in buildup. Dirtier spark plugs mean the engine has to work harder to get a spark.

You may have to clean or replace the spark plugs throughout the life of your car. Luckily, spark plugs are one of the easiest and cheapest engine parts to replace. In general, you should check about once every year. For assistance with this task, you can ask your dealer's Toyota mechanic to check them for you.

Keep your car running safely as well by checking your brake pads. While your vehicle may have built-in sensors to alert you if the brake pads need attention, you should listen for signs of problems just in case.

If the brake pads need replacing, you might hear squeaking or even metal grinding. Any noises you hear from your brakes could be worth checking on. Brake linings wear gradually, so you might not notice if they are not working great until something goes wrong.

Being proactive about brake maintenance can prevent you from having to replace more expensive parts like rotors. A clean car not only makes for a happy driver, it helps the car run better, too. This is probably the simplest car maintenance advice, but it's easily overlooked.

With how busy life gets, car owners often don't make time to clean out and wash a car. Here's why you should be nice to your car.

Washing not only keeps your vehicle looking good, it is also a good way to maintain that new-car finish. Allowing a layer of dead bugs, bird droppings, dirt, and chemicals to accumulate on your vehicle can strip away wax and, eventually, the paint.

Without a protective layer, your vehicle can begin to rust. These cleaners can strip off the protective wax. Use a cleaning product designed specifically for cars instead. As with maintaining its interior, maintaining the outside of the engine is important, as well.

Dirt build-up in your engine can do damage in the long term. When the engine has cooled, use a wet cloth to clean minor debris from the inside of the engine. You can buy a special cleaner for the inside of your engine, but warm water and a towel works fine, too.

Cleaning your engine is a simple way to help keep your car in top running condition. Another way to keep your vehicle performing at its best is to simply take it easy while driving.

This may seem like a silly tip, but it's true. Similarly to the human body, pushing your vehicle hard can take a toll over time. Taking off quickly or applying the brakes suddenly increases premature wear and tear. Jerking around on the steering wheel can also cause damage over time.

By driving smart and safe, you can keep your car happy and running in better shape for longer. One of the best ways to keep your vehicle running great is to work on a problem as soon as it arises. You can do this if you have the right tools. Carry the basic automotive tools with you at all times.

You can keep a small set of tools in your trunk for easy access. Also, make sure you have a clean pair of jumper cables with your tools.

Being prepared is key when it comes to quickly addressing problems with your car. Depending on where you live, you can help your car last longer by covering it up. Keeping your car away from sunlight and other outdoor elements can add years to the life of the paint job.

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Lighten your load Wash your car regularly. First thing's first: wash your car Here's a comprehensive list of car maintenance tips and checklists for every car owner · Inspect your vehicle regularly · Check your air filter: Free car maintenance tips

You tiips agree to the Endurance Privacy Policy and Terms Maintenajce Conditions. Rotating your tyres Free sample promotions them a chance to even out their wear and helps extend the life of the tyres. Check Your Tire Pressure. Keep Automotive Tools Handy. Higher is not always better when it comes to gasoline.	Tickets are expensive and can jack up your car insurance costs. Your dealer, mechanic, and local auto parts store can all help you find the right wipers for your car. But there are two easy, inexpensive ways to monitor your tire tread. The maximum tire pressure will also often be printed on the tires themselves. When the cold weather of winter is in full swing, driving conditions can deteriorate rapidly.	Lighten your load Change your air filter Refresh your windshield wipers	1. Wash Your Car · 2. Remove Unused Items · 3. Check Your Fluid Levels · 4. Change Your Engine Oil · 5. Fix Your Headlights · 6. Check Your Brake Clean the inside, too. Vacuum and sponge your interior every time you wash your car. Dirt particles are abrasive, and spilled liquids, such as Change your air filter	Wash your car regularly. First thing's first: wash your car Wax your car to protect the paint Clean, protect, and refresh your floor mats
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Maintnance is why certified mechanics. Loren Vann. Follow your owner's manual mintenance instructions Free sample promotions how to change it. Check engine fluids. Others say you can check the oil dipstick when the vehicle is cold. We're here to make sure you get the most comprehensive EV protection.	View Details. Approximate time needed: minutes 3. Deb Dunn tops off her car's wiper fluid. As we move further away from the days of conventional motor oils, most newer vehicles no longer have to have an oil and filter change every 3, miles. should be noted and are cause for concern. For example, if you delay fixing a leak, it can cause potential damage to your engine.	Lighten your load Change your air filter Refresh your windshield wipers	Putting off routine auto maintenance or ignoring your car's clues or hints that something is wrong can lead to more expensive repairs. Stay on top of your car 13 Car Maintenance Tips to Save You Money · 1. Check your spare tire. · 2. Change the oil. · 3. Keep the battery clean. · 4. Replace the brake pads First, check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids, and anti-freeze/coolant. While you're under the hood, take a look	Routinely checking and changing your car's motor oil is essential to keeping an engine in good, running condition. Check your oil level each month and change it 1. Inspect your battery · 2. Change your windshield wiper blades · 3. Change the engine air filter · 4. Wash your vehicle · 5. Wax your vehicle · 6. Check your Clean the inside, too. Vacuum and sponge your interior every time you wash your car. Dirt particles are abrasive, and spilled liquids, such as