If you love your car as much as most people do, you'll want to take care of it. We offer basic cleaning and maintenance tips to keep your car in good shape.

Preventive maintenance A trained, qualified mechanic who has the expertise and equipment to do the job correctly really should do most maintenance. But you should keep your eyes on what's going on under the hood. Your owner's manual will provide you with a maintenance schedule for your specific make and model. However, there are a few simple checks you can perform to help prevent any problems, and extend the life of your vehicle: Have the oil and oil filter changed regularly. Your car's owner's manual will specify exactly how often to have this done, but a good rule of thumb is do have it done every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. And if you do this yourself, please be sure to dispose of the used oil properly. Check all the fluids, including brake, power steering, transmission, transaxle, windshield washer, and antifreeze. Your owner's manual will tell you how you can check these. Check the air pressure level in your tires at least once a month. Again, the owner's manual should specify the ideal air pressure for your particular tire. Make sure all your lights work, including headlights, turn signals, brake, and taillights. Replace the windshield wiper blades if they become cracked or torn, or if they begin to streak. Inspect the engine belts for cracks and missing segments. Check the air filter for clogging or damage.

Washing your car's exterior Regularly washing the exterior is one of the most important things you can do to ensure long life for your car. It's your first line of defense against the dirt, salt, and other contaminants that your car picks up from the road every day. You'll want to wash about once a week, and follow the guidelines below to make the most out of your washing time: Park your car in a shady spot, or wash it on a cloudy day. If the car is not kept cool while washing, the water will evaporate too quickly and possibly leave spots. Use a car wash shampoo (soap) specifically formulated for automotive use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper shampoo to water ratio. Start with the wheels, and do them one at a time. Using a lot of soapy water and a scrub brush, scour the rubber and wheel to remove deep-down dirt. Rinse, and use a sponge or washcloth to do a follow-up cleaning. Because they are the part of your car closest to the road and are subject to the corroding effects of brake dust, you'll want to take extra care to clean your wheels and tires thoroughly. Use a natural sea sponge, cotton chenille pad, or sheepskin mitt for washing your car's surface. These materials have a large number of fine filaments that draw dirt and grime away from the surface. Start washing from the top down and rinse the car often. Use a final rinse of free flowing water (nozzle off the hose) to allow the water to sheet off the car After drying the glass, try polishing it with crumpled newspaper. Unlike paper towels, newsprint does not leave lint behind, and the ink acts as a polish

Waxing and polishing A regular application of wax is the best way to protect your car from the elements. Rain, snow, road salt, pollution, and the inevitable bird droppings can all compromise your car's thin finish. Here are a few general tips to ensure that your car looks great every time you wax: Thoroughly wash your car's exterior, as described above. Use a pre-wax cleaner. A pre-wax cleaner will remove blemishes such as tar, water spots, and insect remains, and may also deep clean the paint and remove the remains of your previous coat of wax. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Apply the wax to one body panel at a time with a damp cloth or manufacturer-supplied applicator. If you're just looking for a nice appearance and good protection, synthetic waxes -- which are easily applied and are very durable -- are probably the way to go. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding exactly how to apply the wax (i.e., in a circular versus straight motion). Allow the wax to dry on the body panel (usually takes just a few minutes), then buff the panel to a smooth shine with a clean, terry cloth towel. In most cases, to make your car look great and ensure it is properly protected from the elements, a single coat of wax will suffice. However, for an exceptional shine, you may choose to apply a second coat. Allow sufficient time for the wax to cure (usually 12 to 48 hours) between applications. You'll want to wax often enough to ensure that your car remains protected. Natural waxes typically need to be reapplied about every six to ten weeks (depending on the type). With synthetics, you can usually go about six to nine months between applications.

Cleaning the interior Keeping your car's outside clean is only half the job. The inside is threatened by many of the same contaminants that can damage your car's exterior. Dirt, salt, and stones that your feet drag in from the outside; cigarette smoke, paper refuse, and crumbs should all be removed at least as often as you wash your car's exterior. Here are a few things you can do to make sure your car looks great inside and out: Vacuum the floors, fabric upholstery, and mats. Rubber mats can be scrubbed with soapy water and rinsed (be sure they're dry before you put them back in the car). Vacuum under the seats. Use a narrow hose-end attachment to get into narrow crevices (always a collection point for dirt and crumbs). Use a damp cloth to wipe down the dashboard, center console, steering wheel and column, and other hard, non-glass surfaces (e.g., inside of doors). Use a clean, damp towel to wipe any leather surfaces. Clean the inside of the glass with a clean, dry paper towel and non-ammonia glass cleaner. When it's dry, polish it with crumpled newspaper.