With proper maintenance, you can keep your car running smoothly long into its old age. From MSN, consider these four tips from Doug Newcomb:

¢ Breathe easier. Everyone knows to change the oil and oil filter – but don’t forget other fluids and filters, too. Changing the air filter helps a car breathe easier and the engine last longer, said Jack Nerad, of Kelley Blue Book. “It also hurts your fuel economy, and it can harm the engine over the long term.”

¢ Keep it cool. Maintaining the cooling system and the proper coolant level is as important as making sure the engine is well lubed.

¢ Pressure check. Tires are often the most neglected part of a car, Nerad said, and keeping the proper pressure boosts fuel economy and improves safety.

¢ Get regular checkups. Find a repair shop and mechanic you trust. “And let that shop service your car all the time,” said Dave Jones, co-host of AskAutoPro.com. “When you get sick you don’t go to a different doctor every time.”