Getting the most out of your new or used vehicle means keeping up with your car's maintenance schedule, including oil changes. Your vehicle's owner's manual will tell you how often you should change your oil, how much you should put in, and what weight of oil to use.

Your vehicle's dashboard is loaded with gauges and lights that provide a wide range of information. The warning lights on your dashboard are located where they are for a reason. When a warning light comes on, it indicates an issue that you should address immediately. Here are five vehicle emergency lights that you should not ignore.
 

Every car has its unique sound and feel. After driving a vehicle for a while, you get used to it, and if something sounds or feels different, you're the first to know.

It's no secret that winter can be tough on your car. Cold, snow, and wind can cause your car not to start in the morning or leave you trying to figure out how to open a frozen door or lock. Once you get in the car and get it started, road conditions, such as snow or black ice, can add to your problems. While winter can be hard on your car, a few simple steps can ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly in the cold.

Your transmission is vital to making your car move. Responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, your transmission experiences more wear than any other component. Like many other components of your car, when something goes wrong with your transmission, your vehicle can stop in its tracks.

Although the Carolinas usually receive little to no snowfall in most winters, residents and visitors still need to prepare for inclement weather.

Owning a car involves taking care of it so that it keeps running and remains safe. Keeping your wheels aligned not only ensures that you drive in a straight line and have a smooth ride but also lowers your repair costs, helps your tires last longer and perform better, and keeps your vehicle safe for the road. Having your wheels aligned is one of the responsibilities of car ownership, and there are signs that your car needs an alignment sooner.
 

Have you ever been driving and suddenly got a whiff of an unusual smell? Your first instinct may be to check under the seats for fast food remnants or a pair of socks from your last workout session.

The alternator is one of the thousands of components necessary to keep your car running. Unfortunately, like many components, your alternator can fail due to various factors. While age is the most common cause of an alternator failing, fluid leaks, broken belts, defective wiring, and water can affect its performance.

The heating and cooling systems in your car are connected, but they are two different systems that function separately. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep both systems in good working order and avoid developing major issues in the future. Proper maintenance can be the difference between a pleasant and comfortable ride or a stress-filled, unpleasant journey.