Treat your vehicle well and it will return the favour

For most people, a vehicle is a considered a major investment.

Whether it was purchased new or used, most drivers aim to keep their car or truck in good condition not only for esthetics, but also to keep it on the road as long as possible — or at least until it is traded in.

To increase the longevity of a vehicle, it needs to be well maintained. It’s not unlike our own bodies, which require exercise and decent nutrition to stay physically fit. Luckily, keeping your vehicle in shape requires less discipline than hitting the gym or the trails a few times a week.

Keeping your car well tuned costs some money up front, but has the potential to save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars down the road.

To keep your vehicle humming, it’s best to adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule set our by your vehicle manufacturer.

These are guidelines — based on either a period of time or the number of kilometres the vehicle has travelled — for when items such as oil and other fluids should be changed, the tires rotated, the brakes checked and timing belt replaced.

By sticking to these regular tuneups you can dramatically reduce the risk of costly future problems with components such as the cooling system, engine, tires or suspension. Regular maintenance also means owners can receive the full benefit of the manufacturer’s warranty, where applicable.

Between maintenance visits you should also do your own check of the car’s fluids, such as the antifreeze and oil. The colour of these fluids is important. For instance, antifreeze should be pink, green, or yellow, depending on your vehicle, and never mixed. Experts say brown antifreeze is bad (either rust or dirt got inside) and needs to be flushed.

Oil should be relatively clear. If it’s black it’s an indication it has been left in the engine too long. If it appears white, water has likely seeped into the fluid and needs to be changed.