For every dollar spent on maintaining your vehicle, you stand to keep six dollars in your pocket, claims a recent study in the automotive industry. This finding should provide a strong motive to every car owner to take proper care of their vehicles. To know more about your car maintenance , it is essential that you go through the owner's manual, which comes with every vehicle. If routinely undertaken, not only will regular car maintenance prolong the life of the vehicle, but also lessen the chances of an unexpected breakdown. The key to lowering the overall cost lies in vigilant maintenance.

In Canada, various websites provide useful car maintenance tips to keep your car fit and running. It is recommended that you follow these tips diligently and carry out periodic checks. Here are a few tips which can be used as guidelines for proper car maintenance.

• Wash your car regularly and wax it once a month under direct sunlight. This will give a shine to your car and keep it free of corrosion.
• Change the engine oil every 3,000 miles to keep the engine in good shape.
• Make sure the coolant level is nearer to the full mark. Low coolant level will cause the engine to overheat and may seriously damage the engine.
• Regularly check for damaged or clipped wires, which can be potential fire hazards.
• Check the tire pressure regularly. The car manual will have the recommended front and rear tire pressure listed.
• Clean the car battery regularly with a mixture of baking soda and water.
• Use wax to keep the door hinges well lubricated.

By following the simple tips mentioned above, you can put years on your car’s life and dollars on its resale value.