Check Your Oil Regularly. Low or dirty oil is one of the biggest causes of engine wear and overheating.

• Check every 1-2 months
• Top off when low
• Change every 5,000-7,000 miles (or what your manual says)

Maintain Proper Tire Pressure. Under-inflated tires can cause blowouts, poor fuel economy, and uneven wear.

• Check at least once per month
• Use the PSI listed on the door jamb
• Don’t rely on visual inspection, tire can look normal and still be low

Inspect Tire Tread Wear. Worn tread reduces traction and increases blowout risk.

• Use the penny test
• Replace tires when tread is below 2/32 inches
• Rotate tires every 5,000-8,000 miles

Replace Your Battery Every 3-5 Years. Most roadside calls come from dead batteries.

• Have it tested annually
• Look for corrosion at the terminals
• Replace early if you drive mostly short trips (batteries charge slower) 

Keep All Fluids Topped Off. Fluids directly prevent breakdowns.

• Coolant
• Transmission fluid
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Windshield washer fluid

Stay Up to Date on filters. Air and fuel filters affect performance and cause stalling.

• Engine air filter: every 12,000-15,000 miles
• Cabin air filter: annually
• Fuel filter: depends on vehicle, often 30k-60k miles

Pay Attention to Warning Lights. Dashboard lights are early warnings that prevent costly breakdowns.

• Check engine light
• Battery light
• Temperature light
• Oil pressure light

Don’t ignore them-small issues become tow-truck issues if you wait.

Keep Your Brakes in Good Condition. Brake failure or grinding brakes often lead to emergency stops.

• Replace brake pads when they squeal or feel spongy
• Flush brake fluid every 2-3 years
• Vibrations when braking usually mean warped rotors

Replace Belts and Hoses Before They Fail. A broken belt = instant roadside breakdown.

• Serpentine belts typically last 60k-100k miles
• Look for cracks, glazing, or fraying
• Hoses shouldn’t be brittle, bulging, or leaking

Don’t Drive on Your Spare Tire for Longer Than Necessary.

• Typically, 50 – 60 mile maximum
• Avoid rough roads and pot holes if possible
• They do not perform like your normal tire