*Changing your car’s oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles is no longer the rule of thumb. Newer models use synthetic oil which can last up to and beyond 7,500 miles. Checkyournumber.org provides the recommended oil change interval for over 2000 models.

*Be sure to clean up your car’s battery this summer. The heat plays havoc on car batteries, often causing them to fail-not in winter months as most of us think. Clean and tighten the cable connections, add distilled water if need be. If it’s over four years old, have it tested. 

*Tires tend to lose air in warm weather, and reduce fuel economy so be sure to check them regularly and keep them inflated to the proper PSI.

*The average age of today’s on-the-road vehicle is 10 years. No longer do we need to trade our car in after 50,000-60,000-miles. In fact, many newer models don’t even need “tune-ups” until 100,000-miles.

*Several grocery store chains today are offering gasoline rewards programs. Buy up to $300 worth of gas and you’ll get 5 cents off a gallon of gas.

*Need a car repair? Check online at repairpal.com for free quotes.

*The least expensive vehicles to insure include minivans, pickup trucks and SUVs. According to insure.com, the cheapest insurance rates can be found on these types of vehicles.

Source: AARP Magazine, July-August 2012