Maintaining your vehicle inside, outside and under the hood is a vital part of ownership. It keeps your car running well, maintains its value and is critical to ensuring your safety.

While entire books have been written about how to properly maintain a car, there’s really only one that will matter to you: your owner’s manual. This will tell you what needs to be done and when, usually based on your car’s milage. Follow the recommendations in order to keep your car—and your warranty—working as intended.

Of course, there are some maintenance items that are common to all cars. Here are some of the most important items to maintain in order to keep your car safe and running smoothly.

Regular Oil Changes

All cars need regular oil changes. But how often you do it, what kind of oil you use (traditional, synthetic, blend, etc.), and the specific viscosity will depend on the manufacturer’s recommendation for your specific vehicle. You can find that information in your owner’s manual or by talking to a mechanic or dealership.

While newer cars have oil monitoring systems that will tell you when it is time for a change, older cars will require oil changes based on milage. Traditionally, that’s roughly every 3,000 miles, but today’s modern oils have extended that range for many cars. Changing oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles is now common.

When in doubt, consult a mechanic before deciding what oil to put in your car and when and err on the side of more frequent changes. Fresh oil is almost always good for your car.

Rotating The Tires

Quirks in suspension and alignment, as well as the different types of terrain you drive in, can cause tires to wear unevenly over time. The solution is to periodically rotate tires front to back and/or side to side, a job that is usually done by a professional.

You can read your car’s owner manual or speak to a mechanic to get precise instructions that apply to your make and model, but a good rule of thumb is to rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.

In between those rotations, make sure tires are properly inflated (consult your owner’s manual to see how much to fill them) and inspect them regularly for wear. In addition, make sure the steering is properly aligned, so the car does not pull to one side and cause uneven wear on tires.

Of course, there are many other important maintenance items. Batteries and brake pads sometimes need to be replaced. Fluids such as coolant need to be topped off. Cars should also be regularly washed and waxed to protect the finish.

The average owner spends about $66 a month, or almost $800 a year, on routine maintenance, according to AAA.

While every vehicle has maintenance costs, a car that needs constant repairs can quickly get expensive. If your car is often in the shop, it may be time to look into buying a new vehicle. If that is the case, start by getting pre-qualified for auto financing with Credit Acceptance. It will help you determine your budget even before you visit a dealership.