We've all heard about things like oil changes, and it's hard to ignore worn-out wipers, but many people don't know what they're supposed to do when their cars reach milestones. This unfortunate oversight can cause major problems such as your car wearing out too quickly or even complete failure like a cracked engine block. It could also puts you at risk of paying more than you should to unscrupulous mechanics, and car dealers when you're in the market for a new a vehicle.

Here are some things you can do to familiarize yourself with what you should do:

• Keep a log: If you kept a written list of every service appointment and repair, you can avoid this situation easily. You can use a list to track service appointments, and you can also track things such as repairs and replacements with this simple trick. Tracking fuel and dipstick checks can help you keep an eye on efficiency and performance and will let you spot any problems early on.

• Study your manual: Cars have a manual just for their make and model, and these booklets discuss the official word on keeping your vehicle in top shape. These recommendations can vary a lot, so they end up having to rely on what potentially unscrupulous dealers say about the maintenance their vehicle requires. We keep track of the correct maintenance suggestions for every auto we service at Christian Brothers Automotive in Spring Hill, TN, but you can't rely on all mechanics. If you do, it could mean spending far too much money.

• Don't forget to wash it: Looking pretty is not the same as functionality when it comes to many things, but keeping your auto free of dirt and grime from roof to bumper to undercarriage is an important upkeep. If you don't frequent the car wash, the built up dirt, sand, and salt from the roads will harm your paint and undercarriage.

• Make a checklist: Forgetting about vehicle maintenance is easy to do, but a good way to plan for everything on time is to make a list of everything your car needs when you sign the title. Then, mark all the work done as your car is serviced at the various milestones. If a paper list isn't for you, there are simple electronic tools that can help.