How to Save While You Maintain Your Car

MSN Autos has a great checklist of tips (9 Ways to Save on Car Maintenance) that help you save your pennies while making sure your car's maintenance is taking place as recommended by the manufacturer.

Although I don't agree with some of their recommendations, especially since many are mostly for older model vehicles rather than newer or luxury vehicles, there's still a kernel of truth behind some of the claims/tips:

• most latest models can handle regular unleaded.
• if your manufacturer/manual recommend super, or your car is turbo, go safe and get premium gasoline.
• don't change the oil more than you need to, check your manual -- except if you put unusual wear/drive a lot.
• tire rotation is useful but not a "must" and make sure you take advantage of free lifetime rotation when you purchase your tires -- and/or make that a pre-qualifier for the place you're getting your next set!
• oil light blinking at ya? Safely pull over and turn off your car. This can burn out your engine so get it taken care of immediately!
• you should only go to the dealer if you are going to be lazy about checking up news of recalls, else, there's cheaper places to get serviced. Check the warranty clauses though.