Keep on top of oil changes: Have the oil in your car changed every 3,000 miles. This is the single most important part of routine maintenance for your car. Find a dependable mechanic who can give your car a checkup when it is in for the oil change. The checkup should include taking a look at the overall condition of your engine, checking belts, hoses and fluid levels of your transmission and brakes, and checking your air cleaner and the condition of your tires.

Learn to listen to your car: If you hear an unusual noise, notice a change in it’s performance or handling take it to your mechanic.

Keep a copy of your car’s service record with you: Keep a log of oil changes and maintenance, along with your service receipts, in the glove compartment in case your mechanic needs to see what maintenance has been done.

Try to stay with one mechanic: Knowing your car’s history can go a long way towards helping to diagnose and fix a problem.

Be prepared to describe the problem to the mechanic: If you do have a problem with the car, take note of when the problem occurs - whether the car is cold, or after it warms up? Does it happen when you’re at an idle or when you are accelerating?

Warm up your car on cold mornings: The oil will not lubricate the engine properly if it is too cold.

Accelerate gently: Zero-to-sixty in nothing flat will put undo strain on the engine, especially on smaller cars.

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