Many problems with your car can be corrected or identified with some simple things you can do on a regular basis. Not only will you be saving gas by keeping your car running at its optimum, you may also be heading off costly repair bills.

Even more importantly you will insure that your car is as safe as it can be. You can prevent problems that could lead to critical failures that might result in an accidents causing injury.

Most maintenance should be left to the professionals. However, once a month you should perform the following checks to help identify and head off problems that can cost you fuel and money down the road:

1. Check the pressure and look for signs of wear in your tires. Check for any objects that may have become embedded in the tire causing air leaks.

2. Check for fluid leaks. Look around the car and especially under the car around the engine. If you see fluid then you should attempt to identify it. One way is by its color. Coolant is a bright yellowish green color, Transmission fluid is usually pink, Oil is black and brake fluids and power steering fluids are generally clear, with a slight tinge of brown . These fluids are all oily to the touch.

3. After determining there are no leaks, check the level of your fluids. Check all of the fluid levels including the transmission fluid the engine oil, the power steering fluid and the engine coolant. Make sure you bring any fluids that are low to their proper level by adding the appropriate fluid. To make sure you are doing this properly Check the owner's manual.

4. Check for a few other things while you have the hood open. If you see cracked or leaking radiator hoses or if you notice cracked or split spark plug wires you should get them fixed immediately. Check the hose clamps to make sure they are tight. Lastly check the battery for signs of corrosion. Make sure to check where the cables attach to the battery.

5. Check for problems with the brakes. On a straight, flat and traffic-free stretch of road, rest your hands lightly on the steering wheel and apply the brakes gradually. If the vehicle swerves to one side, one of the brake linings may be worn more than the other, or the brakes may need adjustment.

6. A similar test as performed to test the brakes can be done to test your wheel alignment. Again this needs to be done on a straight, flat and traffic-free road. Rest your hands very lightly on the steering wheel and drive the car forward at a constant but slow speed. If you feel the vehicle pulling to the right or the left, it is a good indication of poor wheel alignment.

Following these few basic procedures monthly will keep your car running at its peak performance. If your car is running at its peak, it will save you fuel, save you dollars and will help to ensure your safety.