Changing A Flat Tire: The chances of coming across a flat tire is greater than most mechanical issues but what’s worse than getting a flat tire is waiting on the help of someone to come and change it for you. This could save you lots of time if you simply learn how to do it yourself. Check out our Step By Step Guide on How To Change a Flat Tire.

Clean and replace worn out wiper blades. Wiper blades should be swapped out about every six months. Check for cracks regularly, and clean dirty wiper blades with a wet paper towel.

Maintenance: When you buy a car (new) immediately familiarize yourself with the owners manual booklet. If used, educate yourself through researching on the internet. Here are a few tips on taking care of your car:

Oil change: Every 3000 miles with oil filter
Under the hood: Check as frequently as possible. Once every week or every 2 weeks.
Tire rotation: Every 6,000 miles following the manufacturers rotation recommendation. If you have a matching spare, include it in the rotation as well so when it is time for change, it will run as smooth and last as long.
Align & Balance: Have car checked every 10k-12k miles or the first time you notice unusual steering or a vibration at highway speeds.
Tune up, Filters and Timing belts: Make sure you follow up with manufactures recommendations
Gas Gas Gas Gas Gas: Regular gasoline is adequate for most subcompact cars and SUV’s but for luxury vehicles, (Cadillac, Mercedes, Audi’s etc), premium gas is usually always recommended.
-The heavier the weight inside of the car, the more power the engine will need to move the car. Weight indeed affects your gas. If you are traveling with lots of people or toting around luggage, expect your gas to run out a little faster. However, having your gas limit at the half or above will allow your car to run a bit smoother.

Brakes: Sometimes we get so caught up in our day to day habits that we don’t pay attention to our car until there’s a major issue. One thing that can cost you a lot if not caught before hand are brakes. Pay attention to the sound your breaks make while driving. If you begin to hear squealing, it’s probably time to change your pads. Always be aware that while driving stay another car distance behind the car which is in front of you so when it comes time to stop, you will ease into it. Don’t drive so close that you have to slam on your breaks every 3 seconds (texting and driving causes this as well so keep your phone out of your hands).

When you take care of your car properly, your car will take care of you. Unless the car had a lot of issues to begin with, you can avoid spending lots of money with auto knowledge. So do some research, read your manual and treat your car like it’s your child.