Cars are built better today and the engine tune-up that was needed after 50,000 to 75,000 miles isn’t needed until later on to replace spark plugs and timing belts. However, there are still little preventive things that need to be done to a car to avoid more costly headaches later. When it comes to my cars, I always know that there are certain things I need to do on a timely basis to keep them running. That means changing their oil every 5,000 miles and getting the required state inspection where they usually discover I need new brakes after about 20,000 miles (I’m very generous with the brakes with the exception of my current 2012 Toyota Prius V). I know that if I don’t take the car for its timely maintenance to my mechanic Ralph, then I may incur more costly repairs later. If I don’t change the oil filter, I can burn the engine and a failure to replace the brake pads timely can chew up my car’s rotor (I’ve done that twice).