In order to keep your car in tip-top shape, you should perform a tune-up once a year. Parts that should be checked and/or replaced include the air filter, spark plugs, cap and rotor, spark plug wires, fuel filter, PCV, and oxygen sensor.

Air filter: Air filters will need to be replaced at least once a year – maybe more, if you live in an exceptionally dirty environment, such as in areas where you are frequently required to drive on dirt roads instead of paved, or cities with high air pollution. You should replace your air filter at every tune up, but check it frequently throughout the year and replace it if it becomes dirty again.

Spark plugs: Most newer cars call for platinum plugs, but for an older car you should stick with copper plugs. Check the manual and stick with what the manufacturer calls for; if it doesn’t say, use your best judgment. Platinum plugs will not have to be replaced on a yearly basis, but I recommend replacing them every two or three years, depending on how many miles the car is driven. Copper plugs can often be cleaned and regapped, but I recommend replacing them once a year nonetheless.

Cap and rotor: The distributor cap and rotor are fairly inexpensive to buy, which means they’re probably made pretty cheaply as well. Like all electrical components, they can lose conductivity over time, which will cause a drop in the performance of your car. I recommend replacing these parts on a yearly basis, particularly because they are so cheap and replacement is so easy. Note: Some cars have electronic ignitions and do not have a traditional distributor. These cars don’t have a cap and rotor to replace.

Spark plug wires: Spark plug wires don’t necessarily need to be replaced on a yearly basis, but they should be checked. In a darkened garaged or at night, start the engine and open the hood. While the engine is running, watch for electrical arcing – zaps of blue light visible above the spark plugs wires. If you see arcing, the plug wires are losing their insulating abilities and should be replaced.

Fuel filter: Mechanics tend to disagree on whether a fuel filter should be replaced on a yearly basis or not. Check your car’s manual for guidelines; if the manufacturer doesn’t give any indication of when the fuel filter should be replaced, you’ll have to use your best judgment. If your fuel filter is inexpensive easy to reach, I recommend replacing it with each tune-up, as a precaution. If the fuel filter is expensive or difficult to reach, however, you’ll probably still be safe replacing it every other year, unless you live in an exceptionally dirty environment.

PCV: The PCV is relatively inexpensive and should be replaced each year. My car has failed emissions test simply because of a clogged PCV. When you remove your PCV, shake it; you should hear the inner ball rattling back and forth within the valve. Now shake the new one; the sound of the ball rattling back and forth should be louder, as the valve is clean. If you can’t detect a difference, you may have changed the PCV too soon; since you’re already halfway there, you might as well finish the job, but wait a little longer before replacing it the next time.

Oxygen sensor: Usually, your best indication of a failed oxygen sensor is a poor emissions reading. However, most oxygen sensors state a mileage at which they should be replaced; older cars’ sensors should usually be replaced at 30,000 miles, whereas the sensors in newer cars can go 50,000 or more before needing replacement. Check your manufacturer’s guidelines, and make an effort to replace the oxygen sensor on time or even a little early, so as to avoid any problems caused by a failed sensor.

With a little preventative maintenance, you can keep your car running like new for a long time to come. Neglecting your car’s scheduled maintenance, however, can shorten the life of your car; a little money saved now can cost you a lot later on.