Owning a car can be a great advantage during your school years, whether you’re commuting or living on campus. But if you want it to last all four years and possibly beyond, you need to take good care of it. Not to worry—most car maintenance involves sticking to a simple program of regular inspections and basic upkeep. To help you get started, here are a few tips on how to maintain a car in college.

Keep an Eye on the Tires

Tires are vitally important to your car and protect you and your passengers. When they’re not in good shape, they can affect everything from engine performance to the brake system. Perform periodic inspections of your tires. Ensure that the treads are doing their job with the penny test. Place a penny upside-down in the center grooves of your tire. If you see the top part of Lincoln’s head, the treads are wearing out, and you may need to replace the tires. Avoid buying new tires prematurely by maintaining proper air pressure and searching for scrapes, abrasions, and potential punctures. When you clean the car, wipe down the wheels as well.

Top Off All Fluids

Every 6,000 miles or so, you’ll need to replace the oil and oil filter in your car. Check the level and quality of your oil every now and then. If it’s low or dark, it’s time for a change. Changing your car’s oil is a pretty easy process, so look for instructional videos online that can walk you through the various steps. While you’re under the hood, check the dipsticks on your transmission and brake fluids to see how they’re holding up. You should also check to see whether your wiper fluid tank needs refilling. Keeping your car’s fluid levels up ensures optimal performance. 

Keep It Clean

A clean car runs better, looks better, and is a joy to drive. Keeping your car’s exterior clean removes unsightly dirt and fights off rust and corrosion. Make sure to regularly wipe down and vacuum the cabin as well. When possible, avoid eating and drinking inside, toss out any trash immediately, and, if you smoke, don’t do it in the car (or better yet, quit). Think of the future. A clean and sweet-smelling interior is a big selling point for any car, and it can help your car have a higher resale value.

Read the Manual and Beyond

If you really want to know how to maintain a car in college, dig out the car owner’s manual from the glove compartment and read it over a good cup of coffee or tea. You’ll learn so much about your vehicle, how it operates, and how you can keep it running for years to come. Read up on car repairs as well, whether through books or online. You might be pleasantly surprised at how many simple repairs and fixes you can do yourself, saving money and time in the long run.