Owning a car is a big responsibility, one that many car owners can tend to forget. Just as we take care of our own bodies and pay attention to our health, we must do the same for our vehicles, to ensure that they remain healthy, and stay in proper working order- for our own safety. It's true that modern cars may not require as much attention as they did years and years ago, but there are still major repair and maintenence factors that car owner must pay close attention to. Doing so will ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle for many years down the road.

Things to pay attention to...

Tires

Your car can't run on the road or otherwise without proper tires. It's important to know whether your vehicle has all wheel drive, front wheel drive, etc. Making sure your car has the proper tires for the changing seasons is crucial to safe driving- especially in the cold winter months, if you're in an area that sees a lot of snow or ice. Most cars nowadays will auto detect the tires' air pressure through the dash. Be sure to pay attention to this, and if a tire is low, fill it with sir, or check to make sure there isn't a puncture somewhere. Check the tire tread often. If your tires have very little tread or are bald, they are unsafe to drive on- especially in the rain. You'll want to make sure that your tires are appropriate for the type of vehicle you own, and are safe enough to brave the elements and take on driving in any condition.

Air Filter

Have you ever taken a good look at the air filter in your home when you go to change it? Chances are, it's covered in dust, and you can't see the original filter tray anymore, because it's so dirty. Just as we need to change out the air filters in our homes every couple of months, the air filters in our cars need to be changed and cleaned, as well. No one can breathe without proper air intake- the car needs the air, just as we do. You should think about having your filter changed (or change it yourself, if you have the expertise), every 5,000 miles.

Check and change the oil

Far too many vehicle owners don't pay attention to when they need to have an oil change. Have you ever seen a car chugging down the road, puttering and burning oil? It's not a pretty sight, or pleasant scent. The car's engine needs clean oil to survive, and run smoothly. It's important to check your oil levels, using a dipstick. If you know how to change the oil on your own, it's definitely worth it to DIY. Otherwise, you'll nee to take your car to the dealership or shop to have your oil changed. Some dealerships offer free oil changes, up to so many miles, or up to so man years after your vehicle has been purchased. If you pay close attention to your car, you'll know how long it can go before it needs an oil change. It's a good idea to change it every 5,000 miles or so. If you travel a lot, you'll certainly be changing it more often than not. If you plan to take a big road trip, it's always a smart choice to opt for an oil change before heading off on an adventure- just to be safe.

Taking these simple steps every few months, or after you have traveled so many miles, may help you avoid big problems with your vehicle down the road.

This post brought to you by Pearl Automotive.