Purchasing and maintaining a car can be costly, especially if you aren’t aware of how to get the most out of a vehicle. Your vehicle will be well worth what you paid for it and the cost of repairs and maintenance if you are able to get it to 250,000 or 300,000 miles. Follow these simple tips to not only find a car that you can get the most out of, but also to care for it to increase its longevity and sale price.

1. Purchase a Fuel Efficient Car

If you’re getting ready to purchase a car or are going to trade your car in for a new one, it’s important that you first consider fuel efficiency. A cost with poor fuel mileage will cost significantly more in the long run, even if you are able to get a low purchase price. However, a fuel efficient car will allow you to save money on gas throughout the life of the car, making it well worth the initial purchase price. In fact, many fuel efficient cars pay for themselves in the long run, so take time to check out the KBB fuel efficient vehicles and make a difference on the planet and your wallet.

2. Change Your Oil Regularly & Maintain Adequate Fluid Levels

This may sound like a no-brainer, but even going just a few weeks after the recommended oil change date can be detrimental to your car. The engine is under intense heat and pressure, and over time, even the highest quality oil can break down and lose its ability to lubricate the engine parts. Follow your car manufacturer’s guidelines on how frequently you change your oil and if you’re unsure, always err on the side of caution.

3. Check the Brakes Regularly

The brakes are one of your car’s most important systems, and are largely responsible for your safety on the road. It makes sense that you should have the integrity of your brakes checked frequently, and have them replaced when indicated. Signs that your brakes need to be changed include your brake light coming on, squealing brakes, or the sensation that it is taking you longer to come to a complete stop than usual.

4. Never Ignore Your Check Engine Light

Your car has a check engine light for a reason. When it comes on, it’s your signal that something isn’t quite right under the hood – even if your car seems like it’s running fine. Most auto parts stores have a diagnostic tool that will produce a computer print out of what potential issues might be causing the check engine light to be on, and you can also get the same readout or a more detailed one from a licensed mechanic.

Failure to have your car evaluated after your check engine light comes on can cause more damage, potentially increasing the costs of repairs and reducing the longevity of your car.

5. Keep Your Car In Excellent Condition Inside & Outside

Let’s face it – clean looking cars are sold for more than cars that look dingy, dirty and dinged up. Even if the engine runs better on the dirty car and it has less mileage, it will likely cost the same or less than a clean car with high mileage or one in need of repairs. It can be difficult to get a grungy looking car spic and span right before you sell it, so it’s important to keep your car in excellent condition throughout its life with you.

Vacuum and wash your car regularly, and avoid keeping items in your car that can easily spill. The cleaner and more well kept your car is when you go to trade it in or sell it, the more you will get out of it, simply because it looks great.

Purchasing a car with good fuel mileage, performing routine maintenance and keeping it looking nice before you trade it in are all easy ways to ensure you’re getting the most for your money when it comes to your vehicle. If your car lasts beyond 250,000 miles, you can be confident that you got your money’s worth and reduced repair related expenses as much as possible.