Houston car owners need to make sure that they stay up-to-date on their cars’ maintenance needs, not only for the longevity of the vehicle, but also because of state law.  Here are some foreign and domestic automotive repair tasks that you’ll need to make sure you do:

1. State Inspections - Houston car owners are required by law to make sure they have their cars inspected periodically.  This includes an emissions test, which makes sure that the car runs as cleanly and efficiently as it was meant to, and a safety inspection, which checks things such as whether headlights and brake lights work, and whether the car’s various systems, such as the brakes, are functioning within safe parameters.
2. Oil changes - Regular oil changes are vital to your car’s longevity.  When oil gets dirty, it gets too thick, which causes the engine to work harder — and, incidentally, for you to burn more fuel.
3. Alignments - Having your wheels aligned properly ensures that your car will encounter the least possible rolling resistance.  This is important, because too much rolling resistance will cause your car’s fuel efficiency to go down, and you’ll spend more money (needlessly) on gas.  Houston wheel alignments can be done at many auto repair shops in the area.
4. Tune ups - It is also important to have your car tuned up on a yearly basis.  A tune up is where the mechanic replaces the spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor, air filter, PCV valve, and other parts that can have an effect on your car’s performance as they wear out, such as your spark plug wires and oxygen sensor.

Although Texas law ensures that Houston car owners keep their cars in good condition, these types of regular maintenance are also important because they prolong your car’s life and reduce the money you’ll spend on making repairs that stem from neglect.