For most Americans cars are a necessary part of life. We use them to get to work and school, visit family and friends, and enjoy time away. And if our vehicles do go down for maintenance there is usually a scramble to find a ride or pay for a rental until we get our vehicles back. What a headache! But there is a way to help our vehicle run better and last longer between visits to the mechanic. [caption id="attachment_2581" align="alignright" width="300"] Car Maintenance[/caption] One of the biggest things right of the bat is car handling . The way that you drive has some serious impacts on how well your vehicle operates. Rough, aggressive driving, slamming on the gas and brake, and taking each corner on two wheels will do more than just damage your tires and get you a traffic ticket. It can also cause problems with your brakes and transmission that can end up costing you thousands. Smooth driving, and braking, can go a long way toward preserving your cars essential parts and making your tires last longer. Part of taking car of your vehicle is performing some routine maintenance tests. The tires are often the first thing that people think of when it comes to vehicle maintenance. On a monthly basis you should check your tires over for signs of cracking or excess wear. These are signs that your tires need to be replaced. You can also do the penny test by placing a penny upside down between the tread. If you can see Lincoln's head then it is time to look into new tires.   While the tires are important it is also important to look under the hood once every 1-2 weeks. One of the most important things to check is the oil. Low oil can cause serious damage to your engine. If it is low you can add more pretty easily. If it is has been several months it might be time for an oil change . It is recommended that your oil be changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles. This is also a good time to check the coolant/ anti-freeze to keep your vehicle from overheating or freezing. The responsibility of vehicle ownership extends beyond driving safely on the road. Vehicles are expensive to purchase and maintain but by taking proper care of it and performing routine maintenance your vehicle will keep running for years and miles to come.