Having your oil and oil filter changed at least as often as recommended by the manufacturer is likely to generate the single biggest return on your investment in routine auto service and maintenance. Getting an oil change will help protect the internal parts of the engine from premature wear. It’s important to use the recommended grade of oil for your vehicle for the best protection and fuel mileage. See your vehicle owner’s manual for the recommended oil change interval, or follow the Oil Life Monitoring System, if equipped.

A dirty air filter prevents the engine from breathing properly. Change the air filter once a year or when recommended in your owner’s manual. Change it more often if you drive in dirty or dusty conditions. If your vehicle is equipped with a cabin air filter, change that, too. A dirty cabin air filter reduces the airflow through the vehicle’s ventilation system. Cabin air filters help keep pollen, fumes, smoke, and other materials from reaching the inside of a vehicle. See the owner’s manual to determine if your vehicle is equipped with a cabin air filter.

Drive belts are essential for keeping your vehicle’s electrical (alternator), engine cooling (water pump) and air-conditioning systems running. Having the drive belt inspected periodically and replaced when necessary means you’re less likely to experience a broken belt and the resulting vehicle breakdown.

A radiator or cooling system that is clogged or low on fluid can cause serious damage to the engine and other components. Get into the habit of checking the fluid level regularly, and have the fluid changed or flushed when recommended. An antifreeze/coolant flush and fill at regular intervals can help prevent overheating, freezing, and premature cooling-system corrosion.

The automatic and manual transmission fluids help lubricate, cool, and clean the internal components of the transmission. They also help maintain the hydraulic pressure necessary for the transmission to function properly (automatic transmissions). If your vehicle doesn’t engage smoothly and promptly when you put it in drive, it may be due to a restricted transmission filter or contaminated fluid.

When you step on the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid rushes to each brake to apply the pressure that slows your vehicle. Over time the fluid can become compromised by moisture and other contaminants and brake performance can suffer.

Power-steering fluid is the fluid that transmits power in power-steering, which allows a vehicle to steer easier. It’s a hydraulic fluid, meaning power is transferred. Changing the power-steering fluid is inexpensive and will prolong the life of the expensive power-steering components. Over time, components will wear out and begin to contaminate the power-steering fluid, forcing the pump to work harder, and eventually rendering the pump or steering gear useless. Replacing the pump or gear is costly, so make sure you don’t get to that point.

The lubricating fluid inside the differential transfers heat away from the gears, helping to preserve the life and performance of your differential. Over time, operating temperatures and wear can cause the fluid to break down. When the fluid breaks down, becomes contaminated, or leaks occur, the gears inside may not work smoothly because of increased friction and heat. If the gears start to grind, continued driving can cause costly repairs.

Every time you press the gas pedal, you control how much fuel and air the engine takes in. Over time, deposits can form in critical areas of the fuel system, resulting in reduced fuel economy, loss of power and other drivability issues. Periodic fuel system cleaning can help to maintain optimal engine performance. Automotive repair shops use multi-step cleaners to remove deposits from the fuel system, injectors and combustion chamber. If your fuel filter needs to be replaced, either because it’s clogged or is at the end of its useful life, Jiffy Lube technicians can perform that service as well.

Having the correct amount of pressure in your tires means your vehicle is getting optimal contact with the road. Properly inflated tires help improve fuel economy and wear more evenly as well.