How to keep your car in top condition

Check the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual to see what service is recommended and how often. Follow it scrupulously for as long as you own the car. There are usually different schedules for normal and severe driving conditions; the normal one should be sufficient for most drivers.

Mark your calendar with estimated dates for services such as oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid flushes.

New noises are not normal. If you hear something odd when accelerating, braking, or turning, have it checked by a mechanic.

At least once a month, check the levels of the car's fluids, such as oil, coolant, and brake fluid. The owner's manual usually has instructions that are quite specific and easy to follow.

At least once a month, check the air pressure in each tire, including the spare, when they're cold. If necessary, adjust the pressure to match the carmaker's recommendation. Tire-inflation information is usually found on a placard in the driver's-side door jamb. The recommended pressure for a space-saver spare is on the tire.

If your mechanic recommends additional maintenance services not specified in the owner's manual, ask why they're necessary. If you're skeptical, check with other mechanics for additional opinions and cost estimates. See the article Save Hundreds on Maintenance, in the April 2009 issue.