Just because you’re sporting a new car this summer doesn’t mean you should avoid regular maintenance. Your new car will need the same tender loving care as any other car out on the streets. Here are a few tips to keep you cool and keep your car running for many summers to come.

Change the oil in your new car regularly. Your engine is the heart of your new car. A car’s engine creates heat and friction as each part under the hood moves you around town. This daily friction would cause parts to ruin if it weren’t for the necessary and important oil. However, over time the oil in your engine will clot together, forming into mucky goo. Clotted oil doesn’t provide proper lubrication for your tender new car parts (or any car’s parts). Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 3,000 miles. Check your manufacturer’s guide for a proper oil changing schedule and correct oil grade.

As a rule, you should rotate and balance the tires every other time you have the oil changed on your new car. Rotating and balancing the tires on your new car will result in an even wear on all four tires. Additionally, remember to check the tire pressure during extreme season changes, as the air pressure will change from cold to hot seasons. Low tire pressure will result in unnecessary wear on your tires’ tread.

The last thing you need on a long road trip is a stormy summer night with bad windshield wipers. Very cold winter months can wear out your windshield wipers rather quickly. At the beginning of the summer, or before a long trip, look over the windshield wipers on your car. Avoid using windshield wiper refills on your new car. Refills tend to wear quicker and can lead to streaking or skipping (and no one wants 200+ miles of streaky, skippy wipers).

If you plan on taking your new car for an extended road trip this summer, schedule a visit to your mechanic before hitting the road. A new car can run into trouble just as easily as an older car. It’s always better to be cautious. Tell your mechanic the distance of the trip and have him or her look over all of the vital parts and fluids. Whenever you stop to gas up along the road, take some time to check your new car for anything unusual (such as leaks or smoke).

Your new car should have come with a manufacturer’s manual. Look through the manual for any specific recommendations for your car. These tips, in addition to the tips mentioned in this article, will ensure you and your new car to have a happy, healthy and long life together.