Auto Club: 10 Ways to Keep Your Car Running and out of a Repair Shop.

LOS ANGELES -- The best way to keep your car out of the repair garage with major repair problems is to follow a basic vehicle care maintenance schedule. This is especially important with the arrival of the rainy season and cooler weather, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

The Auto Club recommends that vehicle owners make general visual inspections and perform vehicle maintenance. "This advice is especially timely during October, AAA's observance of Car Care Month. A skilled automotive technician can also assist with basic vehicle maintenance and more complex repairs," said the Auto Club Approved Auto Repair manager, Richard Kretsch.

Be sure to read your vehicle owner's manual to understand the recommended periodic maintenance checks. The Auto Club also advises to:

1. Check the engine's oil level each time a tank of fuel is purchased, or once a month. Regular oil changes can reduce engine wear and make the vehicle run cooler and last longer.

2. Look at the transmission fluid to be sure that it's at the proper level and doesn't look dirty or smell burnt. If dirty or burnt, service and/or flush the transmission fluid as necessary.

3. Inspect the antifreeze/coolant level and condition, making sure the proper mixture of water and coolant is used according to specifications in the owner's manual. Also check to make sure the coolant has been drained and/or flushed as recommended by the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual.

4. Frequently inspect and replace all cooling system hoses, including the radiator, heater and bypass hoses at least every 5 years. Replace sooner if there are cracks, splits, swelling or softness.

5. Inspect all other hoses under the hood. Look for visual signs of leaking or damaged hoses in the power steering, air conditioning, transmission, cooling and brake lines.

6. Frequently inspect and replace all belts that are worn, cracked, frayed, or damaged. Additionally, replace all belts over 5 years old.

7. Check the air filter at least with every oil change, and more often in dusty conditions. A dirty air filter increases fuel consumption and contributes to air pollution.

8. Inflate tires to recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires are a safety hazard and can cut fuel economy. Inspect tires for damage and excessive tread wear. Under-inflated tires are a hazard and can reduce fuel economy by as much as 2 percent per pound of pressure below the recommended level ... Along with basic tire maintenance rotate your tires; the Auto Club recommends a tire rotation approximately every 7,500 miles.

9. Steer the vehicle properly. Don't turn the wheel excessively to where it can go no further. That causes significantly more wear and tear on the steering pump than necessary ... causing you to spend more money than necessary on vehicle maintenance.

10. Pay attention to your dashboard. Warning lights are telling you that something is going on under the hood. Sometimes waiting even a few days can be the difference between a routine fix and a major and costly repair. And, in some cases, there are warning lights that indicate that you must stop the vehicle immediately. Red lights typically mean "stop now."

The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance service, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, and highway and transportation safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa.com.