If you’re like most people, you love your car and can’t bear to see anything happen to it. Being proactive when it comes to routine car care prevents major repairs down the road. Here are four useful tips that will extend the life of your car.

Get Regular Oil Changes

Whatever you do, never put off changing the oil. Every 5,000 miles or so, call for an appointment at an auto repair shop Issaquah WA for an oil and filter change. Oil protects your car’s engine and by regularly changing it, you’ll avoid an expensive repair.

Always Park in the Shade

If you’re not able to park in a garage, always try to park your car in the shade. Leaving your vehicle out in the sun every day will eventually lead to faded paint and possible blistering. Parking in the shade also prevents your dash and interior leather from drying and cracking.

Rotate Your Tires

New tires can be expensive, so get all you can out of your current ones. Tires tend to wear at different rates, so rotating them will even it out. This allows you to get much more use out of them and makes for a smoother ride. Try to rotate tires every 3,000-5,000 miles, or when you change your oil.

Keep Your Battery Clean

Few things are worse than getting stuck with a dead car battery. To make sure that doesn’t happen, check your battery frequently. Inspect it for cracking, bulging and use a wire brush to remove any caked-on debris from the terminals.

Pay Attention to Basics

Whether your car is new or used, you want to keep it as long as you can. Never ignore regular oil changes, tire rotations or battery check-ups. By paying attention to basic maintenance, your car will look and feel great for years to come.