When you start the car: Always warm up the engine for a minute or two before driving. Warm up the brakes as well by braking slowly a couple of times at low speed.

When the gas tank is half-full: Fill it. When a tank is allowed to run close to empty, gunk collects in the bottom and can clog the fuel filter. Also, in cold weather, an empty tank leaves space for water to condense and then freeze in the gas line.

Once a month (some experts say once a week): Check the oil. First, make sure the car is parked on a flat surface and the engine is cool. Pull out the dipstick and check the oil level (there are "full" and "add" markers on the dipstick). Next, check the tires. Inflate to the air pressure in the car's manual (not that on the tire). Get a pressure gauge with an indicator and a dial (not the more common stick kind). If you can't bear to inflate the tires yourself, buy your gas from a full-service station and have the attendant do it. Low pressure wears out tires prematurely and reduces gas mileage. With proper maintenance, a set of radials should last five years.

Every month or 3,000 miles: Check the pressure in the spare tire, and the wiper blades for wear. Have the steering components lubricated and the transmission fluid checked. A lube shop (Jiffy-Lube or Grease Monkey) will do this, as well as an oil and filter change, in about 15 minutes for $20 to $40.

Every 6,000 to 7,500 miles: Have the oil and the oil filter changed. It is the best maintenance you can do for your car.

In very hot weather: Check and change the oil more frequently (you may need to use a special type of oil — check the owner's manual for specifics). The hotter the weather, the quicker the oil breaks down and the less time it has to lubricate the moving parts.

In very cold weather: If you spot a white crust of dried salt anywhere on your car's body, wash it off immediately (don't miss the door sills). And coat the locks with a penetrating oil spray (like WD-40) to prevent freezing.

Whenever you can stand it: Wash and wax your car. If you don't have time to wash it, at least wipe off bird droppings quickly; they corrode paint, which is another reason to keep your car waxed.