Ensure that tires are inflated to the recommended level because a properly inflated tire will save tires from wear and tear and improve fuel mileage.

water, not tap water. AAA adds that to avoid cables to rust or corrode, car owners should apply and release the parking break regularly.

Tires should also be rotated every 7,500 to 10,000 miles because it adds 10,000 miles to the life of tires. “If you feel a ‘ shimmy’ or vibration at highway speeds, have your tires balanced and suspension checked,” AAA says. Ensure that tires are inflated to the recommended level because a properly inflated tire will save tires from wear and tear and improve fuel mileage.

To learn your car’s proper tire pressure, AAA suggests consulting the owner’s manual and the information decal on the side of the doorjamb. AAA advises drivers to record their maintenance schedules and follow their car’s maintenance recommendations.

In terms of what car owners should check under their hood, AAA says car owners should check fluids including window washer each time they gas up. It suggests using the recommended octane level of one’s car. Car owners should also follow the oil change recommendations for their car and avoid oil additives. It suggests check- ing for radiator bulges, cracks and leaks, air filter, headlights, brake, parking lights and turn signals regularly. Having someone check the car under a lift once every year is also recommended.

AAA also shares how driving habits affect the type of care a car would require. “A vehicle driven primarily on the highway can go longer between oil changes than one used for stop- and- go trips around town,” AAA says. Hard acceleration with a cold engine can increase engine wear. It also advises drivers to avoid repeatedly breaking and pressing gas abruptly as it may cause tear and on the break transmission and suspension.

Meanwhile, Consumer Reports, a website that studies products and services, suggests doing regular monthly check of engine oil citing that this will help a driver see if there is an oil leak that needs to be fixed. It also suggests to wash the car every week. “Wash the body and, if necessary, hose out the fender wells and undercarriage to remove dirt and road salt,” Consumer Reports adds.

The Consumer Reports also recommends checking the air filter. “Remove the air- filter element and hold it up to a strong light. If you don’t see light, replace it. Regardless, follow the recommended service intervals.” It also suggests checking the constant velocity boots. “On front-wheel- drive and some four-wheel- drive vehicles, examine these bellowslike rubber boots, also known as CV boots, on the drive axles. Immediately replace any that are cut, cracked, or leaking. If dirt contaminates the CV joint, it can quickly lead to an expensive fix.”

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the US Department of Energy, through fueleconomy. gov, stresses the importance of keeping the car engine properly tuned as this saves more on gas. Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4%, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done. —