Owning a car, truck, or van involves a lot of responsibility. There are car body repairs that you need to do, and a litany of other parts you should maintain regularly. Keeping your vehicle safe on the road starts with a good maintenance plan. Here are the ten most important parts of your vehicle to maintain.

1. Engine

Maintaining the health of your engine is one of the most important maintenance tasks for your vehicle. The oil in your vehicle is often compared to the heart in a human body because it's at the center of what keeps things running properly. Regularly scheduled oil changes are one of the simplest maintenance tasks, yet one of the most important. Tune-ups, when necessary, are also an important part of engine maintenance. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

2. Transmission

The engine and the transmission work together. If one or the other is not fully functional, your vehicle can't move. Transmission repair and service will ensure that your transmission stays in good condition and your vehicle is ready to go when you are.

You should have your transmission tuned up as necessary. Transmissions don't need frequent maintenance, but they do need to be checked in on every once in a while. If you notice a problem when switching gears, have it addressed as soon as possible.

3. Brakes

Your brake system is an essential part of the safety system on your vehicle. Brake pads need to be changed at regular intervals. Faulty brakes can lead to serious accidents, which means you'll need car body repairs on top of brake repairs.

A good rule of thumb is to have your brake pads inspected at every oil change. Staying on top of brake pad replacement will save you money and ensure that your vehicle is safe to be on the road.

4. Headlights and Exterior Bulbs

Another safety feature of your vehicle is the headlights and other exterior bulbs. Brake lights and turn signals ensure that other drivers can see your vehicle and what it's doing. Headlights are also there for your benefit, so you can see when driving in the dark or when under poor weather conditions.

When a bulb is out, it's a major risk factor that can result in an ugly accident. Any quality auto shop can easily replace any broken bulbs. Be sure to periodically check the lights on your vehicle and replace any that have burned out.

5. Tires

The tires on your vehicle are not only tasked with moving your vehicle, but they can also affect gas mileage. You should check your tire pressure regularly to ensure that it's where it needs to be. Of course, you will also have to buy new tires and have them installed about every 35,000 miles.

Many people choose all-season tires to ensure that they are safe on the road year-round. Be sure that you choose tires that are specific to your manufacturer's recommendations. Tires are an important safety and mechanical feature of your vehicle.

6. Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers should be replaced as soon as they show signs of wear and tear. Windshield wipers help to keep your windshield clear of rain and snow, and they play a vital role in safe driving. Having windshield wiper replacement is something that you can do at every other oil change to ensure you always have safe, highly functional windshield wipers. Windshield wipers are inexpensive, and all it takes to replace them is a 10-minute stop at your local body shop.

7. Auto Body

There isn't enough credit given to what the body of your vehicle does. Your vehicle is designed so that every part plays a vital role including the body parts. A loose mud flap can easily turn into a car accident and cause serious damage.

Getting car body repairs will ensure the safety of your vehicle. It will also ensure that your vehicle's performance stays at its optimum. Car body repairs aren't just for aesthetics.

8. Fluids

It's imperative that you do a regular fluid check on your vehicle. Check the coolant, oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid to ensure that you aren't low on fluids. Low fluid levels can indicate a larger problem. Staying on top of the fluids in your vehicle will ensure that fluid levels are always where they need to be.

Any auto body shop keeps these fluids on hand and can easily top it off for you. Do be sure that you used the approved fluid for your vehicle. Of course, if you notice that some of your fluids are consistently low, despite refilling them, that's a sign you'll need car body repairs. Get it checked out right away -- early intervention is the key to saving money on repairs.

9. Hoses and Belts

Hoses and belts are expendable items that will need to be eventually replaced. A quick inspection of your hoses and belts can determine if they are worn and need replacement. A hose that is swollen is a good indicator that it's time to replace the hose.

A belt that squeals is also an indicator that it's time to replace the belt. Belts and hoses are important parts of your vehicle. They are inexpensive to replace but when they are not replaced as they should be, you can expect engine failure.

10. Coolant System

Your coolant system is tasked with ensuring that your engine doesn't overheat. Engines operate at very high temperatures. The coolant system keeps the temperature down so that the engine can function unencumbered.

Check your coolant fluid level regularly to ensure that there's a sufficient amount of coolant available at all times. If you notice that your car is running “hot”, take it to the repair shop to have the problem addressed.

Other Things to Consider

It's essential that you put the time and effort into maintaining your vehicle. According to the Department of Transportation, there is about $60 billion worth of car maintenance that's not done each year in the United States. Don't let that happen to you. Whether it is car body repairs, engine repairs, or safety feature repairs, the best way to manage the repairs is to get them done as soon as possible. Early interventions and regular maintenance will help to keep your vehicle on the road where it belongs and help to keep costs down.

Ignoring small problems like small dents in the body of your car can escalate to very large problems quickly. Taking care of the most important parts of your vehicle will help to maintain the value of your vehicle and ensure you always have reliable transportation.

Make a list of all the things you need to take care of on your car and then start tackling the list in order of precedence. For example, if it has been a while since you had the oil change, that's a great place to start. If you need car body repairs, put them on the list and go get an estimate. Partner with professionals who can help you maintain your vehicle, get repairs when necessary, and help you learn more about how to maintain your vehicle. Connect City Side Auto Body today for your car body repairs.