Check the following tips and you are well on your way to extending the life of your car and improving its overall performance - especially gas mileage and emissions:

Tip #1: General overall cleanliness of your engine is the best preventive maintenance you can perform on your car. A clean engine runs cooler and is much less likely to cause premature failure of other parts. It's also easier to work on.

Tip #2: Regular routine replacement of all filters, lubricants, coolant and the other parts noted here is critical. Use the mileage guidelines shown as your benchmark. Sensing and mechanical tolerances have become so tight even slight variations can create drastic performance changes.

Tip #3: Know your car's systems and particular requirements before starting any project. Do not attempt to fix what you don't understand.

Tip #4: Remember that some improvements may not take effect right away if your car's computer is designed to learn and adjust. The computer may need to see various parameters before making any permanent setting changes.