Consider it time to schedule your vehicle’s annual checkup every year, as spring approaches. Your vehicle should be scheduled for the same way you schedule appointments with your dentist and doctor.

National Car Care Month, which takes place in April, is a national effort to remind motorists about the importance of vehicle maintenance and care. According to the Car Care Council, neglected maintenance accounts for 5 percent of all car accidents. This leads to more deaths than 2,600, 100,000 injuries, more than $2B in lost wages, medical expenses, and property damages each year.

What can you do for a safe vehicle?

* Get your car on a “daily vitamin”Routine: Just like taking vitamins, there’s a few basic checks everyone should do on their car every now and again. At least once a month, make sure you check the tire pressures on all four tires and the spare. For an accurate reading of the pressure, your vehicle must not have been driven more than one mile or be idle for at least three hours. Tires that lose air pressure can cause drivers to lose mileage and waste fuel. However, it is important not to over-inflate tires as this could lead to premature tire wear. A drop of eight pounds per inch in tires could lead to a loss of 2 miles per gal of fuel economy, an 18% decrease in vehicle’s load carrying capability, and a loss of 25 percent in tire tread wear.

* Keep your car hydrated: In addition to tire pressure, it is important to check your vehicle’s fluids. Your vehicle’s fluids are just as important as your body. If it is dehydrated, your body will not perform at its maximum potential. Make sure you check the oil levels in your engine, brake, transmission and washer fluids. If necessary, fill up.

* Check your vehicle’s vitals: When taking your vehicle in for its check-up, the following items should be inspected by an auto technician to ensure optimal performance throughout the year: brakes, battery cables and terminals, the air filter, windshield wipers, lights and turn signals. You should also have your technician inspect your hoses, valves, belts, and valves. As worn rubber can crack or become fragile in cold winter conditions, it is important to have them check these items.

* Check for symptoms: When you feel sick, you visit the doctor. Make sure you take the same preventative care for your car. Pay attention to your vehicle’s warning signs and make sure you visit a technician when your vehicle is running low.

Visit www.amazon.com for more information www.carcare.org.

Trisha is an ex-racecar driver and nationally recognized automotive education specialist at Firestone Complete Auto Care.