A budget is helpful-Set aside $500 to $1000 for maintenance and repairs. Having the money already set aside keeps you in the position to be able to take care of the problems as they arise. One of the worst things is allow a problem to continue with a vehicle.

Install a screen behind the car's front grille- It prevents gravel, road debris and bugs from plugging up your condenser and cooling system. Replace the screen once a year.

Check all your hoses-Belts snap and hoses leak at the most inconvenient times. Reduce the odds of either problem occurring by examining their condition once each season. To check the hoses wait until the engine is cool. Then use your owner's manual to identify the cooling system, vacuum and power-steering hoses.

Grab each hose near the hose clamp, and make sure it is tight and doesn't turn. Then look for bulges and swelling in the rubber. Squeeze it slightly. If the hose feels soft and mushy, it probably needs to be replaced.

Check each belt carefully-Look for shiny or frayed rubber places on your belts. Twist the belts a bit to reveal any cracks. Make sure each belt has the right amount of slack. Push the belt gently. If it can be depressed more than one-half inch between the two pulleys that hold it in place the belt needs to be tightened or replaced.

Watch your gas mileage-Keep good records on the gas mileage. A 10% dip in mileage is an indicator of potential problems, such as a clogged fuel filter, a failing oxygen sensor or more serious problems. The earlier you troubleshoot a problem, the less damage it will cause to your car.

Fix scratches with touchup paint-A three ounce bottle of your car's exact color can be purchased at a local auto-paint dealer for about $20. A trick is to cut the bristles of the paintbrush with a razor blade at a diagonal angle. This will allow you to be precise when painting. After the paint dries thoroughly, gently sand any high spots or ridges with 400 to 600 grit sandpaper.

This gentle grit won't scratch older cars. For newer cars, use rubbing compound. If in doubt, contact your dealer.

Replace the interior-A new interior can make you feel as if you have a new car. The place to look for interior seats dashboards, etc. is at a local wrecking yard. Many nearly new cars are totaled in collision that do almost no damage to the inside. Items usually cost 75% less than retail prices.

Follow a maintenance schedule-Change the oil and check your tire pressure every 3,000 miles. Watch your tire wear. Have frequent wheel alignments if your area is plagued by potholes and railroad tracks. It is so easy to knock out the alignment frequent ones can detect all kinds of ills in the suspension system.

Go over the brake system completely every 10,000 miles. Check the disc, the drums, lines and the master cylinder. Every 15,000 check and replace if needed the air filter, fuel filter and PCV value. Check CV boots for cracks and repack CV joints with grease. A torn boot can allow dirt to get into the CV joint and cause serious damage. At 30,000 miles you replace the spark plugs and carefully look over the plug wires. Replace the wires if they are showing wear or have been exposed to intense heat from the exhaust for prolonged periods of time.

Also at 30,000 miles, you should flush the cooling system and replace the coolant. Change the transmission filter and fluid at this time. Changing the brake fluid is also something that can prevent problems. Brake fluid is damaged by the heat in the brake system. Every 60,000 to 90,000 is a good time to perform this. In addition, plan to replace the timing belt and the water pump at about this same interval.

Small things count-Never keep the brakes applied if you are going to hit a pothole. This locks up the wheel and makes the impact with the pothole harder on the suspension.

Park the car where it gets the fewest dings possible. Little dents really add up over the years. Treat the driver door with special care. Don't let it bounce off the hinges when you open it. This will spring the door over time, especially if you are parked on a downhill slope. Lube all the hinges with a WD 40 squirt frequently.

Don't wait for a squeak. Listen to the car for the first five minutes when you start out each day. Investigate odd or unusual sounds. Avoid heavy key chains with a dozen or more keys on them. They wear out the ignition switch and can cause the key to get stuck or malfunction.

Resources-AC Delco has a web site that allows you to maintain a personalized car maintenance schedule on different vehicles.

Take care of your vehicle and it will take care of you.