If you have a car, the last thing you want to have to worry about is dealing with expensive repairs. In order to keep your car performing great for as long as possible, you can take these steps.

Replace Air Filter

An important part for your car's engine is the air filter. This part is designed to keep debris from entering the engine and wearing it down prematurely.

To see if you need to replace the air filter, first open up the hood of your car. Locate the air filter housing unit, which will usually be near the engine. Pop open the clamps, and take the air filter out. If you notice that it's covered in dirt and debris, you will need to replace it with a new one. Check on the side of the filter to see what size dimensions you need for the new filter.

If you want a filter that will last for a long time, get a reusable filter. These can be cleaned off with a water hose and used multiple times throughout the year.

Check Transmission Fluid

Your transmission is a part that can be expensive to repair. In order to ensure it doesn't overheat and break down, your car needs to have the right amount of transmission fluid.

Open up the hood of your car, and locate the transmission pipe. Take the dipstick out and wipe it with a rag. Place it back inside the pipe, and take it out again. If the fluid levels are below the full line, you will need to add more fluid.

If you notice that your vehicle has trouble shifting gears or there is a delay in vehicle movement, you may need to flush the fluid out and replace it completely.

Inspect the Brake Pads

It's very important to inspect the brake pads on your vehicle because this helps you drive as safely as possible on the road. If you fail to regularly inspect these pads, you could cause severe damage to your brake rotors. These are expensive to fix.

The first thing you should do is listen to your car when you slow down. If you hear a screeching sound, chances are the brake pads have become too worn and thin. You also need to physically examine your wheels. If there is a lot of brake dust in the wheel, this could be a sign that your pads are wearing down. You should then have them replaced at an auto repair shop.

In order to keep your car working great for years, you can take these steps. They will prevent you from having to deal with expensive, time-consuming repairs.

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