Keeping up with your automobile maintenance is probably not the most exciting task on your to-do list. Regularly maintaining your car is essential for both safety and cost benefits. We've created a list of car maintenance tips that pay off big auto maintenance ideas to keep your vehicle out of the shop for as long as possible. Take a peek.

8 Car Maintenance Tips That Pay Off Big

1. Check The Spare Tire.

It is just as critical to have the backup tire inflated as the four tires under your vehicle. You don't want to realize your spare tire is flat when getting the jack out of your trunk. Spending a dollar at the air pump every few months to fill your spare tire is preferable to spending hundreds of dollars on a tow truck in an emergency.

• Maintenance tip: Test the air pressure of your driving tires and your spare tire once a month.

2.Change The Oil.

How would skipping oil changes effect your budget? Oh, lots. Oil problems can be among the most expensive auto maintenance concerns to resolve, as oil influences almost everything your vehicle does. So do not skip it. Getting your oil (and filter) changed costs around $35-75.1.For the expense of a family supper at a high-end fast food restaurant, you can reduce the danger of wearing down your engine, which costs far more than burgers and fries to replace.

 Read also: 10 Car Maintenance Tips For Beginners

• Maintenance tip: Change your car's oil every 5,000 miles or as recommended by the manufacturer.

3. Keep Your Battery Clean.

Over time, corrosion (which appears as white or blue powder) might build on your car's battery terminals (those small metal knobs on top). If you do not maintain them clean, the battery may break or just stop working, leaving you stuck. A excellent automobile battery may cost up to $250, and a tow can cost much more, so buying a $5 wire brush and keeping the connections clean is money well spent.2

• Maintenance tip: Test your battery twice a year and inspect it for corrosion.

4. Replace Your Brake Pads.

Do you hear squeaking when you apply the brakes? If so, your brake pads may be nearing the end of their useful life. Replacement axels can cost up to $300 per, plus labor if installed professionally.3We understand that the pricing may appear high. But this is not something to play about with. You can't simply screech to a halt with your feet, like Fred Flintstone. Don't get into an accident. Keep your brakes working. 

Read also: How to check the 5 essential fluids in your car

• Maintenance tip: Check the brake fluid every time you change the oil to be sure it’s not dark in color. If it is, you’ll need to change the brake system sooner rather than later.

5. Replace The Cabin Air Filter.

Your car's cabin air filter prevents pollutants from entering via the vents. It's a crucial task, so take good care of your air filter. Furthermore, employing an outdated air filter that has outlived its usefulness might cause serious issues with your air conditioner. And trust us, you do not want that. Servicing the AC unit can cost roughly $430-521, while replacing it is closer to $1,319-2,515.4.

Read also: How to Check Your Car's 6 Essential Fluids

• Maintenance tip: Replace cabin air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles.

6. Install New Windshield Wipers.

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, replacement windshield wipers might cost between $50 and $61 in components and labor.5While it appears to be a high price for something so small, safety is once again the top consideration. After all, if you can't see the road, you probably shouldn't drive. It isn't safe. Repairing or rebuilding your vehicle after a collision will cost far more than new wipers.

• Maintenance tip: Check your windshield wipers at the change of each season and replace them when necessary.

7. Have Your Tires Rotated.

Did you realize that just rotating your tires on a regular basis may significantly increase their life? It is true! Your car's tires do not wear at the same rate. Rotating them on a regular basis will extend their life and save you around $187 per tire, or almost $748 for a brand-new set of four.6 

Read also: 5 Important Elements for Brake Maintenance

• Maintenance tip: Rotate tires every 3,000-5,000 miles.

8. Inspect The Shocks, Springs, And Struts (Called The Suspension System).

The suspension system is one of those sophisticated systems of your automobile that you usually don't think about until it quits working and your ride bounces like a trampoline park. If one of the shocks has to be changed, replace all four. Yeah, it sucks, but it's healthier in the long term for your car's general health and longevity.

• Maintenance tip: Check shocks and suspension system every 15,000-30,000 miles. 

Read also: 6 Tire care tips to keep your tires in good condition