Sometimes people hesitate to perform regular maintenance on their vehicles. They think, "It’s working fine right now, so why would I spend time and money on it?"

However, it’s the regular maintenance that is a key factor in keeping your vehicle running properly. Without it, you could find yourself facing costly car repairs, many of which could have been prevented with the proper care.

So what parts of your car should be getting a regular checkup? Read through the six steps below to make sure you’re covering your bases and keeping your car in good shape.

Six Car Maintenance Steps You Don’t Want to Skip

1. Oil changes. Getting your oil changed every 3,000 is a must for keeping your car in good working condition. If your oil ever runs out you risk damaging your car permanently, so don’t pass up this necessary step.

2. Windshield essentials. Keeping your windshield clean will help it stay in good condition for years to come. You will probably need to replace your windshield wipers every 6-12 months. If they are leaving streaks, it’s a good sign they need to be replaced. Windshield washer fluid and the accompanying nozzles should be checked monthly for proper operation.

3. Tires. Your tires are responsible for many of your car’s operations, so it’s essential to keep them in good condition. Two of the things you want to regularly check are tire pressure and tire tread. Your manufacturer’s manual should tell you how often to check the pressure, but it’s a good idea to do it monthly in cold temperatures. Have your tire treads checked every time you get an oil change to make sure they are being evenly worn down.

4. The engine. Most people aren’t going to check their own engines for proper functionality, but you can check your engine air filter for cleanliness. Every six months or 7,500 miles you should check the air filter to see how dirty it is. If you can hold it up to a light bulb and still see through most of it, it’s clean enough to function properly.

5. The battery. Every few months – and more frequently in cold weather – you should check your battery cables to make sure they are securely attached to their terminals. Clean any corrosion from the terminals themselves.

6. Coolant levels. You always want your coolant level to be between the low and the high markings on the semi-transparent bottle that holds it. Once your engine is cool you can open the hood to check the level. If it’s too low, simply unscrew the cap and add some more.

Keep your car in great condition by paying attention to these details and performing regular maintenance where needed. You might hesitate to pay for these things in the moment, but they are much less expensive than a major car repair down the road.