8 ways to keep your car running well

The second largest purchase people make aside from their home is their automobile.  The average price of a car sold in the US in 2006 ws $22,651 according to an article by the US Department of Energy.  Given the amount of money at stake I thought I would put together things I know about that will help your car last longer.

1. Change your oil every 3,000 miles for conventional oil and every 7,000 for synthetic oil.  Changing fluids is the best thing you can do to keep your car running well.
2. Rotate your tires every 5,000 – 7,500 miles.  This will ensure proper tire wear and alignment and keep you from having to purchase tires before their tread wears out.
3. Change your air filter every 12,000 miles or once a year whichever comes first.
4. Change your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.  The transmission is one of the most expensive parts of the car. As with oil keeping clean fluid in it will help it operate better and last longer.
5. Change your brake pads every 50,000 miles.  The average brake pad wears out at between 50K-60K miles so change them even though you may have room left on the pad.  Also make sure the brake calipers are lubed properly and in proper working order.
6. Change your timing belt, serpentine belt, fuel filter, and spark plugs and wires every 60,000 – 75,000 and have your oxygen sensors checked.  These are items that can shut your vehicle down so replacing them before they wear out is critical to keeping you out of a jam.
7. Wash your car and vacuum it once a quarter.  The chemicals in the dust in the air can eat through paint and metal over time so to help the body of your vehicle last longer and maintain your value.
8. Have your vehicles suspension (ball joints, shocks, struts, etc.) reviewed by a licensed mechanic once every two years while having some other work done.

These are not items that will save you money, but they can keep your car running in its best condition.  By performing most of these routine maintenance items it will keep you from having larger problems down the road.  A car is a depreciating asset so the longer you can drive a vehicle the more value you will be receiving from it.

Once your vehicle is paid off please reroute the amount of your car payment into your savings account monthly so that when you decide to buy another vehicle you can pay cash or make a larger down payment.  If you are looking for used or new car information check out Edmonds.com and Cars.com.