If you’ve ever been stuck on the side of the road with an overheated engine, you may not have been taught the importance of automobile preventative maintenance. Here are some basics to help you.

Preventative maintenance is the basic stuff you should be doing to your vehicle to minimize the risk of breakdowns and increase its life span. The good news is you can do much of this yourself, but if that’s not your thing, taking it to a reputable mechanic for routine maintenance doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Get your oil changed regularly

You can get an oil change almost anywhere cars are repaired, but your best value is usually a place that  only offers oil changes. If your vehicle is older (say 10 years old or more), it’s still recommended to have your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles driven. If your vehicle is newer, have it changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles driven. The average cost of an oil change is between $35 for regular oil and $75 for non-synthetic oil.

Check your oil and tire pressure periodically

Even if you don’t need your oil changed, you should check it periodically to be sure there’s enough in the engine. Some vehicles burn more than others. If your vehicle is low on oil, it can burn up your engine. Most vehicles have a light or other indicator to let you know the oil is low, but you should still check older vehicles as a precaution. Your tires need a certain amount of air to properly move the vehicle. Low tires can cause a blowout and can also make your car work harder to operate, so it's important to check your tire pressure for safety and your vehicle’s efficiency.

Inspect fluid levels

Transmissions are one of the most expensive parts of your vehicle to replace, so don’t overlook this. Transmission fluid is necessary to keep your transmission running properly. Coolant fluid keeps your engine cool and functioning properly. Power steering fluid keeps your steering wheel working with ease. You can check these levels yourself in some vehicles. Other vehicles are more difficult. If you can do it on your own, check them once a month while you are filling up the gas tank.

 Check your air filter

Your engine’s air filter regulates the air that flows into your engine and helps keep debris away. When your air filter is working properly, it improves fuel efficiency, decreases emissions and prolongs the life of your engine. Usually, your air filter is checked during an oil change. If it’s not, you’ll want to review your vehicle’s owner’s manual for how often the air filter should be checked.

 These simple, preventative maintenance tips can save you a lot of money, keep you safe and keep your vehicle running for a very long time. If you’re ready to start your journey with a new or new to you vehicle apply online today at www.alliedfcu.com.