If you are a senior who is living on a budget, or even a senior with an unlimited budget, you know how important it is to make the most of what you have.

Changing Seasons with Your Car:

Before the cold of winter sets in, have a service station attendant check the antifreeze in the clear plastic coolant bottle with a hydrometer (a device that takes a sample of antifreeze and specifies how cold the temperature can become before the antifreeze freezes). The antifreeze in your vehicle should be able to withstand (i.e., not freeze) temperatures of at least 30 degrees "below the coldest" winter temperature in your area.

Why is it important for the antifreeze not to freeze during the winter? Because frozen antifreeze can crack an engine's block which could result in possibly thousands of dollars for the repair.

Note: There should be no cost to have the antifreeze checked with a hydrometer. If the antifreeze in your vehicle is too weak, have additional antifreeze added to the coolant bottle. A gallon of antifreeze can be purchased at many department stores. Purchase the type of antifreeze as specified in the vehicle owner's manual (i.e., usually a type that is suitable for "aluminum and all types of metals" that are used in today's engines).

If you drive over 10,000 miles per year, have the engine air filter changed once a year in the spring. If you drive about 6,000 miles or less per year, have the engine air filter changed once every two years.

Note: Discount stores sometimes run sales on vehicle air filters. If necessary, ask the clerk who works in the auto department to help you to look up the number (remember to write it down for future reference) of the correct air filter for your specific vehicle (take the vehicle owner's manual with you into the store to reference the size of the engine, but be certain that you do not forget it and thus leave the store without it).

In the spring and the fall give the vehicle a thorough wash, tar removal, and wax. When washing the vehicle in-between the seasonal waxes, use a car wash product that is safe for clear coat and waxed finishes.

Basic vehicle maintenance is an ongoing process. The secret to making it "easy" and keeping a vehicle "looking great" involves two components. First, maintaining regular vehicle involvement and second, only doing a little at a time.

Each week throughout the year (in addition to the maintenance suggested above) take only about 10-15 minutes to focus on a small aspect of the vehicle. For example, one week wash the windows. The next week, vacuum the carpet, and the following week, Armor All the dash and the door panels etc., etc. After about three months, one of the "small jobs" will be ready to be repeated. However, the vehicle will never be in rough shape. Doing a "small but thorough" job on one specific aspect of the vehicle each week, requires very little time or energy. Having a vehicle that continually "looks great" makes it worthwhile.

The tips provided above are the most basic maintenance requirements that will help your vehicle to run longer.

Note: Refer to the vehicle owner's manual for the additional maintenance required on your vehicle.

Basic vehicle maintenance involves a minimal investment of time and money, but it can provide major benefits in vehicle performance and lower repair costs. Additionally, your vehicle will be in better condition when it becomes time to sell.

Come back later to get more tips.

• Identifying the correct vehicle
• Places to find used vehicles
• Inspecting the exterior
• Inspecting the interior
• Test-driving a used vehicle
• The Used Vehicle Comparison Checklist
• Saving money
• Selling a used vehicle