Owning a car is a difficult task and requires a certain amount of responsibility. They can also be very expensive so, to ensure that they last you should follow the basic maintenance suggestions.  There are many different factors to owning a car and they are not always pleasant to deal with.

Cars need constant maintenance to keep them working their best. If they are not taken care of properly, they can be damaged or not run as well. There are lots of different aspects and chores to take care of your vehicle to keep it running smoothly. Here is a list of a few things you must do in order to keep your car in good order.

1. OIL CHANGE: A car’s oil should be changed every 3,000- 5,000 miles. Oil changes help your engine run smooth and improves your car’s fuel efficiency. Some people choose to change their own oil and others choose to take them to oil change shops such as Jiffy Lube. The cost of an oil change will depend on where you take it and the type of oil used. Failure to change your oil can cause engine failure.

2. CAR INSPECTION: Safety inspections are needed for every car in Texas. You should get car inspections once every year, and they cost around $50-$75. The Texas DMV has made getting inspections very simple. They have made it into a two-step process first you have to get your car inspected, then go online and complete your registration online, and a new sticker will be sent to you in the mail. If you fail to have your car inspected you will not be able to register your car.

3. CAR REGISTRATION:  Cars must be registered when first purchased and renewed annually. To do so, go to your Texas Tax Office and fill out Form 130- U (Application for Texas Certificate Title). You must provide an ID, car insurance, and proof of ownership.  You will be given a sticker to place in the lower left corner of the car’s windshield. The registration fee starts at $50.75 and varies based on the type of vehicle. Failure to register results in fines.

4. HANDLING TIRES: Tires typically have a life of about 25,000 to 50,000 miles. The average cost to replace a tire starts at $80-100 per tire.  To help extend the life of your tires, you should keep your tires filled to the recommended tire pressure and have them rotated every 6,000-8,000 miles. You can have your tires filled at your local gas station and have your tires rotated at an automotive repair shop such as Discount Tire.