Car maintenance is a general description for the replacement or inspection of wearable parts and repairs performed on worn parts of a vehicle. There are also regular maintenance tasks that need to be performed in order to ensure that the vehicle runs at its maximum performance. 

Services such as oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotations and tune ups can be performed at most garages, auto shops or car dealer service departments. You can, however, perform many of these tasks yourself with the right tools.

You should check your engine oil level every time you fill your car with gas. Cars low on oil can become seriously damaged. Here is how you check the oil level in your car:

1. Open the hood.
2. Find the oil dipstick located underneath the hood, usually toward the front.
3. Pull out the dipstick and clean it off with a rag.
4. Replace it all the way into the chamber and pull it out again.
5. Look at the dipstick. The oil level should fall in between the upper and lower limits.

If your oil level is low, you will need to add more. Check with your car's manufacturer or in the owner's manual for the correct grade of oil. Here is how to add oil to your car or truck:

1. Locate the oil filler cap. It should be near the dipstick and clearly marked "oil."
2. Unscrew the cap and set aside.
3. Carefully pour in a small amount of new oil. You may want to use a funnel.
4. Recheck the oil level using the steps listed earlier.
5. You will want the oil level to fall halfway between the maximum and minimum marks on the dipstick.c If the level is not between the guidelines, repeat steps three and four until it is.

You can also check to see if your oil is dirty by spreading some of it (from the dipstick) on a piece of white paper and comparing it to some fresh oil. If your oil looks dirty, it is time to change it.

Check out Mahalo's How to Change Your Oil for additional information.

The brake fluid is located in the brake master fluid reservoir. You may need to check your car's owner's manual for where it is located. However, it is usually toward the back of the engine compartment and may be marked by a symbol that looks like a stop sign with a circle surrounded by parentheses inside it: (O). To check the fluid level, here's what you need to do:

1. Open the hood.
2. Locate the cap to the brake master fluid reservoir.
3. Thoroughly wipe of the cap and top of the reservoir to prevent any contaminates from falling into the brake fluid.
4. Look into the reservoir to see if the fluid looks low.

Although you can top off brake fluid if it is low, you should be more concerned as to why it is low. Low brake fluid is an indication that you need to replace the pads or shoes, or that you have a leak in the system. Have your car checked out by a certified mechanic as soon as possible. If for some reason you do need to add brake fluid, make sure that you only add fluid that is recommended by the manufacturer and take care not to overfill.

Antifreeze or coolant is used to keep your car cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It also helps prevent rust, scale and acid from forming, which can overheat and damage your engine. You should check that your car has enough coolant or antifreeze every time you change your oil.

The power steering fluid reservoir can be hard to find. Many newer cars have begun labeling the caps of these reservoirs with a steering wheel symbol. Your car's owner's manual can help you find it, since it is in a different location on different vehicles. Check the fluid in your power steering fluid reservoir in the following manner:

1. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir off.
2. Unscrew the cap and remove.
3. Wipe the dipstick (part of the cap) off with a rag and replace.
4. Remove the cap/dipstick and look at the fluid levels. The dipstick might have levels that indicate where it should be when your engine is hot or cold.
5. If the fluid is low, check with your car's owner's manual for the appropriate type of what type of fluid to add.c
6. Check the dipstick again. If the fluid is still low, add more fluid and check the dipstick again.
7. Replace the cap when you are finished and make sure it is tight.

Your transmission or transaxle fluid helps maintain proper shifting and keeps the seals lubricated. It should be checked while your car is idling. Here is the proper way to check your transmission fluid:

1. Turn the ignition key so that your car is idling. Make sure it is in park.
2. Open the hood and locate the transmission fluid dipstick. It is often red.
3. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Reinsert the dipstick all the way and pull it back out.
5. Look at the fluid level. It should fall between the two lines.
6. Look at and smell the fluid. The fluid should have a pinkish tint and not smell pungent or burnt. If it does not meet these conditions, you made need to have your transmission fluid changed.c
7. If your fluid is low, place a funnel into the dipstick opening and carefully add fluid.
8. Recheck fluid levels with the dipstick. Repeat steps eight and nine until the fluid falls into the appropriate levels.
9. Turn off your car.

Change your air filter about every 9,000 miles or every six months. A dirty air filter can reduce your average gas mileage by almost 10 percent. In between air filter changes, take a moment to clean your air filter. You can find out how to remove your air filter in your car's manual, but it is usually a simple matter of popping the hood, unscrewing a single wing nut and lifting a lid. Then run a vacuum over the air filter and replace.

You should check your tire pressure and tread wear at least once a month. This will help improve your car's fuel economy, the longevity of your tires and how your car handles. You will also want to have your tires rotated every 4,000 to 8,000 miles, depending on your type of vehicle.

Wiper blades are often neglected, but one of the more important items on your car. Check and clean your wiper blades every time you stop for gas. You should change your wiper blades at least every six months. However, you may need to change them more often during the winter or in climates with harsher winters. Buy two sets of wiper blades next time and keep an extra set in your car.