Maintaining your vehicle is essential for ensuring its longevity and performance. Here are the Top 10 Preventative Maintenance Tips to keep your car running smoothly:

1. Regular Oil Changes: Change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles to keep your engine lubricated and clean. This reduces wear and helps prevent costly repairs. For more details, check out Consumer Reports.
2. Tire Maintenance: Rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles and keep them properly inflated. This promotes even wear and extends tire life. Learn more about tire maintenance from Tire Rack.

In addition to these key practices, consider the following preventative maintenance tips:

3. Brake Inspections: Regularly check your brakes for wear and tear to ensure safety on the road. Schedule a professional inspection at least once a year.
4. Fluid Levels: Regularly check and top off your vehicle's fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, to prevent overheating and mechanical failures.

Changing your oil regularly is crucial for maintaining the health of your vehicle. Generally, you should change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on the type of oil you use and your driving habits. For instance, synthetic oil may allow for longer intervals between changes, often up to 10,000 miles. However, if you frequently drive in severe conditions—such as extreme temperatures, heavy traffic, or towing—you may need to change your oil more often. A good rule of thumb is to consult your vehicle's owner manual and follow the manufacturer's recommendations, as outlined in detail by sources like the Edmunds Car Maintenance Guide.

It's equally important to check your oil levels regularly, ideally once a month. If you notice that your oil is dirty or low, it may be time for a change even if you haven't reached the mileage threshold. Additionally, consider keeping track of your oil changes in a maintenance log—it can be invaluable for future reference and resale value. For more comprehensive advice on oil change intervals, you can refer to the Consumer Reports.

Tire maintenance is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient driving. Regularly checking your tires can prevent accidents and improve fuel efficiency. It's essential to be vigilant for signs your tires need attention, such as uneven wear patterns, which might indicate alignment issues. Additionally, low tread depth can compromise your vehicle's handling, especially in wet conditions. For more insight into tire tread depth, you can visit Tire Safety.

Another critical sign that your tires need attention is the presence of bulges or blisters on the sidewalls, which may indicate a potential blowout. Regularly inspecting your tires for such issues, along with monitoring tire pressure, can save you from costly repairs and ensure optimal performance. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s wise to seek professional advice immediately. For additional tips on maintaining your tires, check out NHTSA's Tire Maintenance Guide.