Many people consider auto maintenance a necessary evil. There are several things you can do to improve your car’s performance and to protect your investment and save some money. Like children, each car has different needs that the owner should consider. Auto maintenance should be a top priority for any car owner. Here are some basic maintenance items and intervals. • Engine oil: every 3,000 miles or 3 months, unless you use Mobil One, in which case 6,000 miles or 6 months. • Fuel filter: 35,000-40,000 miles. • Air filter and AC air filter: as needed. • Spark plugs: conventional plugs: 30,000 miles; double platinum: 50,000 miles. • Coolant flush: 2 years/24,000 miles. • Brake fluid flush and power steering fluid flush: 2 years or when dirty or discolored. • Fuel injection system service: 40,000 miles. • Throttle body cleaning: 20,000 miles. • Tire rotation: 5,000-8,000 miles. • Wheel alignment: 15,000-20,000 miles.