Keeping your car running optimally increases the life of the car. It may even help you avoid accidents — which can ultimately save you money on your car insurance. Here are five easy maintenance tips that can impact your auto insurance costs over time.

1. Keep Your Tire In Good Condition

These simple maintenance checks help keep your tires from going flat or wearing unevenly.

• Check the air pressure. Underinflated tires are far more likely to cause a serious accident than properly inflated ones.
• Rotate your tires regularly. To preserve your tire treads, rotate the tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
• Check the alignment. During the rotation process, ask your technician to check the alignment.

2. Change The Oil And Check Your Fluids

Check your oil every three to six months, or as directed by the owner's manual. Also, remember to check your automatic transmission, wiper, power-steering and brake fluids.

3. Test Your Lights

Turn on your tail lights, brake lights, headlights and turn signals. Also walk around the car to ensure they are all working. You might get a ticket if you don't fix broken or dim bulbs.

4. Keep Fresh Windshield Wipers On

When your windshield wipers stop working correctly, don't wait for a downpour before changing them. Snapping in new blades is fast and relatively inexpensive. It also may help avoid an accident by ensuring you can see the road in the rain and snow.

5. Check The Air Filter

Pull out your air filter and hold it up to the light. Can you see through it? If not, insert a new one to improve your car's air quality and performance.

6. Examine Core Components

This isn't technical, though it sounds like it is. You can prevent an electrical failure by cleaning dirt and debris out of the radiator. Also, make sure the battery cables are well-connected and free of corrosion.

7. Take Advantage Of Regular Check-Ups

Let the experts check the car regularly. It's important to check the exhaust and replace values, hoses and brakes, as well as other critical systems.

A properly functioning car uses gas more efficiently and ensures that your car can handle poor road conditions that may otherwise cause accidents. This helps you keep down your insurance rates by decreasing the risk of accidents.

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