While our vehicles generally play important functions in our daily lives, we sometimes don’t take care of  them as we should. Auto care is directly linked to the issue of safety, and a car maintenance schedule can help detect problems early. Sometimes the simple things we ignore can become major headaches in the long run. A few transgressions some motor vehicle owners are guilty of include:

• Poor maintenance schedule: Today’s cars don’t need the strict servicing timetable cars did twenty years ago. However, this is no excuse to take a tune-up for granted. Follow the guidelines in the car’s manual and then adjust this based on your driving habits.
• Not checking of brakes: Given the importance of this small component it is hard to imagine that it could be ignored but it does happen. As soon as the brake light shows up your dashboard, get the vehicle checked. Alert your mechanic if you notice even minor changes in braking.
• Using old windshield wipers: There is no timetable for replacing wipers as the wear depends on how they are used. Worn wipers will limit your ability to see in bad weather. They are inexpensive so change them as soon they start smearing the windshield. This could help you avoid an accident.
• Not checking the tire pressure: This is another easy to perform task that is often ignored. The correct tire pressure improves gas mileage and it protects tires from blowouts. Car owners should buy pressure gauges at their local auto stores so they can make weekly checks.

In and of themselves these are not the only factors to be aware of in automotive maintenance, but they are important ones. A commitment to performing these tasks when necessary could save you money, especially on insurance premiums.