In this economy, more people are trying to hang on to the big-ticket items they already have and keep them in good repair. Beyond a home, the next biggest investment most people have is an automobile. If it’s time to make sure your ride stays in good condition for miles to come, there are things you can do to be proactive about care.

Performing routine car inspections to keep up with maintenance needs is one of the smartest things motorists can do to stretch out the life of their vehicles. The things to keep up with include:

• Fluids – Make a point of learning how to check fluids and do so on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Topping off things like steering fluid and oil can be important for maintaining a vehicle properly. Also learn to recognize signs of corruption in these fluids. Sometimes full changes are required before the sticker on the window indicates.

• Lights – It is a good idea to inspect brake lights and turn signals on a weekly basis. This can help prevent accidents and keep a vehicle safer on the road.

• Tires – Do take the time to maintain proper tire pressure and also learn to look for signs of tread wear. When tires are not functioning as they should, an accident risk is present.

• Brakes – Pay attention to the sound and feel of brakes. If they become too spongy or just don’t sound right, it’s probably time to change the pads. Keeping up with this can spare the braking system damage and save on costly repairs.

Routine inspections and proper maintenance can extend the useful life of a car. While repairs cannot always be avoided, taking the right preventative measures can keep them at bay longer.