Effective vehicle maintenance is key to improving the lifespan and performance of your automobile. Not paying much attention to your machine can lead to damage and costly repairs.

More importantly, your car needs to be in good shape to guarantee your safety behind the wheel. Thus, proper vehicle maintenance isn't an option but a necessity. To help keep your car in top condition, here are five simple maintenance tips.

1. Inspect Your Tires

The tires are some of the vital parts of a vehicle, and this includes the backup or spare tire. If the tires under your car have been functioning well, it's easy to forget to check your spare tire. But since there's no guarantee what your next trip will look like, keeping your spare tire inflated at all times is essential for safety.

Ensure that all tires are within the suitable pressure range, check the PSI, and look at the sidewalls and treads for damages such as cuts, punctures, scrapes, bulges, bumps or cracks.

2. Replace The Oil Regularly

The engine is the heart of a vehicle, and it must be running smoothly to make your automobile last longer and safe. Oil replacement is vital to keeping your vehicle's engine in good condition. Depending on your car manual, you may need to change your oil every month or after every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

Being unmindful of oil replacement can cause overheating, noise due to friction, and possibly blow a gasket. Keep an eye on your dashboard sticker from time to time to help you remember the oil change date. Alternatively, you may choose a specific day for this task, such as the last Sunday of every month.

3. Check Other Fluids

Your car runs on several fluids that need to be regulated for optimal performance. These include:

●       Coolant

●       Brake fluid

●       Power steering fluid

●       Transmission fluid

Routinely check for leaks and immediately visit your mechanic, if any. Fluid leakage can affect how your car drives and put you at risk when in the open.

4. Keep the battery clean.

You already know that your car needs electricity supplied by its battery to start. So ensuring your car battery is in good condition means enjoying smooth operation and a quick start when you turn the key in. Your headlights, dashboard lights, and several others components rely on the battery for their operations.

Your battery terminals are made of metal, so chances are they may corrode over time, making the battery less efficient. Clean your battery regularly and check the acid and water levels. Ensure the cables are tied and avoid overcharging your battery.

5. Get new windshield wipers.

Safe driving isn't only a function of your car; it also has to do with the driver. You need to see the road as clear as possible to feel comfortable and drive safely. Now that's where windshield wiper replacement comes in.

Windshield wipers help clean the windshield more efficiently and allow you to get a clear sight of the road. Dirt can build up in old wipers, making them less effective and even dangerous to the glass.

In conclusion, some other essential components to inspect in your vehicle include the brakes, lights, air filters, spark plugs, and the suspension system. Routinely take your car to the mechanic for overall maintenance as there may be damage you aren't aware of in your automobile.