Your Owner Guide listsmileage-based recommendations for maintenance, however, every driver and driving situation is different. These tips will help you learn how to identify when your vehicle is ready for a visit to the Service Center.

How To Spot Battery Wear

Signs your battery may be worn or damaged:

• Visible corrosion around the terminals or posts
• Frays or cuts in the battery cables
• Damage on the terminals or posts
• Worn drive belts
• Bulging or deformity in the battery casing
• Loose battery cables or terminals
• Movement or wiggling of the battery in its mounting
• Constant charging or electrical system problems
• Difficulty getting your engine to start

How To Spot Brake Wear

If you wait too long to replace them, your rotors could be damaged and, worse, you could be putting yourself at risk for brake failure.

Signs your brakes might be worn out:

• Loud or frequent squeaks or grinding
• A burning odor
• Your brake pedal becomes hard to press or feels "squishy"
• Your steering wheel shudders or continuously vibrates
• Rust or metal flakes peeling off your brakes
• Scratches or gouging in your rotors
• The brake system warning light turns on

How To Spot Shock And Strut Wear

So if your shocks and struts aren't working properly or are worn, you're not only in for a bumpy ride, your safety could be at risk.

Signs your shocks or struts may be worn:

• Your vehicle is frequently bouncing
• Your tires are losing their grip on the road
• Excessive or uneven tire wear
• Your vehicle no longer handles or brakes the way it used to
• Audible vibration or noise
• Visible fluid leaks from your shock absorbers
• Dents, holes or visible damage to any of your shock and strut components

When To Change Your Oil

Why changing oil is important
Engine oil lubricates and protects the components in your engine. Without it, the metal-on-metal contact that results can severely damage your vehicle's engine. If dirt or other particles build up in the oil, they can scratch or damage vital components.

Regular oil and filter changes help your vehicle operate at its most efficient. In fact, using the proper grade of oil recommended by your Owner Guide can improve your gas mileage by as much as 2%.

How often you need your oil changed
Generally you should plan on an oil change every 5,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first.

However, you should change your oil and filter more often - every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first - if you do any of the following:

• Tow or carry heavy loads
• Idle or drive at low speeds for long distances
• Drive in dusty conditions
• Drive off-road frequently
• Use E85 fuel more than 50% of the time

When To Change Your Air Filter

Visit us for a replacement air filter earlier if you notice any of the following:

• A lot of dirt or debris in the filter
• Decreased engine performance
• Jerky or slow acceleration
• Coughing or spitting noises when your engine is idling

When To Change Your Fuel Filter

Your fuel filter helps optimize your vehicle's fuel flow by protecting your fuel-injection components from harmful impurities.

We generally recommends a fuel filter replacement every 15,000 miles. If your vehicle jerks at high rpm, however, it could be a sign that you need to replace your fuel filter earlier. An engine that won't start is one other potential symptom associated with a faulty or clogged fuel filter. However, a problem with your battery or ignition system is more often the cause if your engine won't start.

When To Change Your Cabin Air Filter

We recommend your cabin air filter be replaced every 15,000 miles. Because it helps prevent pollen, dust, mold and other airborne particles from getting inside your vehicle and into the air you breathe, you may want to have it replaced more often if:

• You or a frequent passenger suffers from allergies
• You or a frequent passenger has other respiratory problems
• You drive on a lot of dirt roads or in excessively dusty conditions
• You drive in a heavily polluted area