As much as you'd love to just drive your vehicle and not think much about it, you need to perform auto maintenance in order to keep it running longer and to prevent big repair bills. Here are some things you should be doing to maintain your vehicle.

Car Washes

A car wash is not just a way to make your car look good since they do a lot more than that. They remove all that grime and dirt from the vehicle that makes the car less likely to rust, which gives it more time before it starts to deteriorate. This is especially true if you live in an area that sees a lot of snow in the winter. You likely have a lot of salt that collects on the side of the vehicle and underneath. A car wash in the winter can help clean off the salt and prevent rust from forming. 

Windshield Wiper Replacement

Windshield wipers are a part that needs to be replaced from time to time when they start leaving streaks on the windows. You do not want to be in a situation where it is pouring rain and you cannot see clearly through your windows due to windshield wipers that are not working correctly. You will be more likely to get into an accident and cause damage to your vehicle because you cannot see. 

Oil Changes

Oil changes matter a lot when it comes to maintaining your vehicle since it's a crucial part of helping your engine run properly with proper lubrication to reduce friction. Make sure you stay on top of your regular oil changes based on the amount of miles you drive or the time since the last oil change, whatever comes first. This will help ensure that you're not driving around with dirty oil.

Fluid Checks

Your vehicle has several fluids that need to be at the proper levels in order for everything to run within causing damage. While many people do stay on top of their engine oil, you can't forget about the other fluids that need to be monitored. Coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and even windshield wiper fluid should all be monitored to ensure that you are not running dangerously low. Get out your owner's manual and make sure you understand where they are located and what levels they should be at. 

While these may seem like basic things to maintain, it all adds up when it comes to prolonging the life of your car.