Most car-care tasks — inspecting the exhaust, flushing the cooling system, and replacing valves, hoses, and brakes — can be done less frequently by experts in a repair shop. Scheduling regular tune-ups will help ensure that your car gets total maintenance.

It's easy to take those tires for granted. But according to safercar.gov, more than 11,000 tow-away (that is, pretty serious) crashes annually are caused, in part, by tire issues.

As a general rule, check your oil each month and change it as directed by your owner's manual.

Pull out the filter and hold it up to a strong light. If you can't see light through it, it's time to replace it. A clean air filter can improve your car's performance.

Correctly preserving and regular replacement of belts and hoses can save money and time over the life of your vehicle. Belts and hose pipes control important functions in your vehicle. To prevent some of the most typical causes of breakdown,make certain your belts and hoses are checked at regular periods. It is recommended to have them checked every 3,000 miles or with every oil change.

Have your antifreeze fluid changed and Cooling System flushed every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Newer formulas, however, may last up to 50,000 miles. To check coolant level, turn the car off and wait for the engine to cool. Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a translucent plastic tank) and eyeball the level of the coolant against the full and low indicators.