Some cars are fancy, some are not; but they all have one thing in common…they get us where we want to go. Unfortunately, we tend to underestimate the needs of the car until much too late. Sometimes this means we are stuck with a costly bill that could be avoided, and other times, this means we are stranded at the side of the road wondering what to do. If you want to keep your car in good working condition, start being proactive in your car repair needs.

Do a walk around – When it’s time to go, we typically run out to the car and jump in. If you really want to keep tabs on how your car is doing, take some time as you approach it to examine key aspects. Is there a puddle under your car that might indicate a leak? Are the tires all well inflated? Are the tire treads still good?

Perform regular, routine maintenance – Your car has regular needs from oil changes to fluid flushes. Be sure to keep track of what your car manufacturer recommends regarding maintenance of the vehicle. These regular checks are intended to catch problems before they start and before they become a huge expense.

Know your stopping power – Your brakes are one of the most important safety features on your car. The more frequently you use your vehicle, the more frequently you should have your brakes checked. Also, if you tend to do a lot of towing or similar rough riding in your vehicle, your brakes will be more susceptible to early failure.

Gage your battery – Your battery is essential to the functionality of your car, but unfortunately, it gives little or no warning when it is wearing out. Get your battery charge checked regularly to keep you informed regarding when you need to pull the plug and provide a new one.