Driving a car is fun. It also gets you where you want to go, and most of the time it does it in relative comfort. An automobile is a necessity for most people, especially in a rural environment. Having a car can also be disappointing if it spends more time in the shop than it does on the road. You not only have to seek alternate transportation, it could end up costing you a bundle--which makes routine maintenance mandatory. Following are a few auto maintenance tips.

Change the Oil Regularly

One of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your engine is to perform oil changes regularly. Oil viscosity breaks down after a certain period of time, which can cause undue wear and tear on the moving parts of an engine. Changing the oil on a regular basis will help ensure the parts are working efficiently and will last as long as they’re designed to. Most mechanics recommend that your oil be changed around the 3,000 to 3,500 mile mark. It would also be a good idea to check the oil level periodically to make sure there isn’t leakage, and the proper amount is in the engine.

Keep the Engine Tuned

Keeping the engine tuned is one of the best ways of making sure you’re getting the best mileage possible. The more efficiently gasoline is burned the cheaper it will be to operate the vehicle. An automobile engine is made up of hundreds of moving parts which work together to provide the power necessary to move the vehicle. Changing spark plugs, the oil, and the fuel filter will help keep it running right, as will cleaning or replacing the oil filter and air filter on a regular basis. Listening for strange sounds such as pinging or knocking may help warn you of upcoming problems with the rods and valves.

Check the Tires

Maintaining the tires on your car is important, too. Uneven tread wear can lead to having to replace them prematurely. It can also cause the vehicle to track incorrectly, pulling the vehicle toward one side of the road or the other. Keeping the tires inflated properly can help reduce the possibility of uneven tread wear and make the tires last. Having the correct air pressure will also ensure you get the best gas mileage possible.

Check the Brakes

Among the most important features on an automobile are the brakes. After all, it doesn’t matter how fast a car can go, or how well it handles, if you can’t stop when you want to there is an accident in your near future. The brake pads should be checked each time the vehicle goes in for servicing, and especially when you have the tires rotated since the wheels will be off anyway. The brake lines and fluid level should also be checked frequently.

Don’t Overload Shocks

Although this isn’t something most people think about, you should never overload your shocks. Your shocks are designed to perform at peak efficiency at certain load levels, and carrying too much weight can adversely affect their longevity, as well as the handling of the vehicle. This is especially true if your vehicle is front wheel drive because having excess weight over the rear wheels can cause the front end to rise and make it drift, feeling like the front wheels are barely touching the road.

Keep the Car Clean

Washing a car regularly does more than simply make it look good. A thorough washing will remove dust and dirt and keep the paint in good shape. A complete waxing will help make sure the car’s body and paint job are protected from the elements. This can be extremely important if you live in a part of the country that has a lot of ice and snow, because the roads are routinely doused with salt to provide traction. Unfortunately, the salt also contributes to rust, so keeping the car clean will help prolong the body of the vehicle.

Check Fluid Levels

A car is comprised of many interlocking parts that work in conjunction with each other to move the vehicle down the road. Some of these parts rub against each continuously, which means they need to be lubricated. If the moving parts aren’t properly lubricated, damage will result from the constant friction of one part sliding across another. Checking the fluid, such as brake fluid, steering fluid, oil, and radiator levels is extremely important. And while you’re at it, don’t forget the windshield wiper fluid.

Guest post from Sasha Bell. Sasha writes for CarInsurance.net.