Compared to the vehicles of a generation ago, modern cars require about as much maintenance as a yo-yo. Freedom from the oil, lube and tune merry-go-round. Most of us haven’t adjusted their thinking to new car maintenance schedules. They still run their vehicles until the dash warning lights burn out, while many, like myself, worry about running synthetic oil more than 2,500 miles without a change. The trick to a long life is giving your car the maintenance it was designed to receive. Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule – in the owner’s manual or in a separate log book. Read it and pay attention to the normal and rough service schedules.Proper Tire Inflation and RotationTires leak naturally and need the occasional check. Under-inflated tires use excessive Fuel and wear out sooner, and overinflated are dangerous. So check them now and at least once a month. Use a good tire gauge and check the accuracy often, I use a digital to assure accuracy and a medium priced metal gauge. Wiper TalesHere’s a news flash: It’s much easier to avoid hitting things you can see. That’s why replacing your windshield wipers often is a good idea.Tune-Up’sThere are no more “tune-ups.” Valves no longer need adjusting, ignition timing is computer controlled and there are no carburetors. About all that’s left of the old tune-up are the spark plugs. These are often good for 100,000 miles, so don’t change parts just to change parts. Instead, save up for those big 60,000- and 120,000-mile services when the timing belt, spark plug wires and coolant are due for replacement. If you have Dexcool do it now.Octane Requirements Higher-than-required octane does not yield more power or mileage, only oil company profits. Here again red the owner’s manual.Oil Change TimingOil changes every 3,000 miles used to be required jobs, just like cleaning the accumulated fuzz from record player needles or defrosting freezers. Today, advances in engine design and lubricants make oil changes something to be done when the schedule calls for it, not when granddad says it’s time. Some cars call for 5,000-mile change intervals, some up to 15,000-mile. Follow the schedule and use the oil called for by the manufacturer.Tired TiresTires wear out, but they also time out. The tire industry says tires are toast after six years. It all depends on heat, sunlight and ozone conditions. If you’re not sure how old your tires are, a tire shop can read the date code stamped into the sidewall.Dirty Air FilterSemi-clogged air filters hurt fuel economy for the same reason you don’t like to run with a potato in your mouth. The question is when is your filter dirty? Under a Norman Rockwell schedule of small-town errand running and church duty, an air filter might not see much grit. But grimy city surface streets or just looking at a dirt road on a map are often enough to overwhelm air filters. This one is about conditions. If you go near dirt, the air filter may need changing twice as often as the schedule calls for.Brakes If you notice anything different about your brakes – sound, feel or response – they are telling you to visit a mechanic. Now.Tighten Your Gas CapIs the Check Engine light on? Then make sure the gas cap is on tightly before calling the dealer. No joke, this is one of the most common ways of setting off your car’s diagnostic system, since a loose gas cap defeats the fuel system’s venting arrangement.The Garage Is for Parkinglet’s review. Your house is your most valuable investment. Your car is likely your second most valuable investment. If you’re paying all that money, then why are you storing junk? Pitch that junk and get the car in the garage!