Some vehicle owners are finding this state of the art technology intimidating, and many drivers don't look under the hood until something goes wrong.

Improvements in electronic ignition and fuel injection systems on newer cars have virtually eliminated the "traditional" tune-up practices of adjusting carburetors, installing points, and setting the timing.

However, with regular preventive maintenance, vehicle owners can still improve the performance and fuel efficiency of today's cars.

Once they've purchased a new car, some people are led to believe that all they have to do is drive it, fill it with gas, and change the oil and then they expect it to last five or 10 years until they trade it in for a new one.

People overlook the need for maintenance because they still perceive their car as brand new, people often buy new cars right before they leave on vacation, then forget that those accumulated km's may warrant an oil change or tire rotation when their vehicle is only a couple of months old.

Today's high-tech automobiles can accumulate a lot of kilometers with very little evidence of wear and tear, making it easy for motorists to avoid looking under the hood while their vehicle is running well.

Preventive maintenance can be a valuable investment, increasing fuel efficiency and saving the expense of emergency repair service, towing charges and even the inconvenience of a breakdown.

If car owners put a few euros into maintenance, they are almost certain to get better performance and vehicle longevity.

Preventative maintenance is important in that you repair a problem before it becomes a problem.

Replacing Your Fuel Filter

Fuel filters are often neglected until they start to clog up. When they do, your vehicle will lose power and hesitate. Even the fastest sports car will have the get up and go of a 1969 VW Beetle with a clogged fuel filter.

Replace Your Heater Hoses

One one the most common sources of coolant loss are the heater hoses. Over time these hoses will get hard and brittle and can crack or break at the worst possible times. They are easy to replace and a lot cheaper to do so at a time and place of your choosing.

Replace Your Windshield Wipers

In order to drive safely in even the worst weather you need to have good windshield wipers. Unfortunately wiper blades are like a leaking roof, you only think about them when it rains. I recommend replacing wiper blades every year, preferably just before winter hits.

Replace Your Timing Belt

The purpose of a timing belt is to provide a quiet, flexible connection between the camshaft and crankshaft to keep the valves opening and closing in phase with the movement of the pistons. If they break at a time of their own cgoosing, severe engine damage could result. It is much cheaper and easier to replace it at the recommended intervals.

Change Your Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. They are what ignites the air/fuel mixture that gives you the power you need when you need it. As they get old they wear out and can start to misfire, causing power loss or engine stalling. On most vehicles they are easy to replace and should be every 30,000 miles or when recommended by the factory.

Repairing Paint Chips

Now maybe this doesn't sound important, but it could save you hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars in repairs. A paint chip exposes the bare metal under the paint. Once this happens water, road salt and acids can start rotting out the metal and left unrepaired, leave big holes in the sheet metal.

Winterizing Your Car

This is an important PM job in that it assures you your vehicle is ready for the coldest winter. I recommend replacing the coolant every two years and checking the heater and radiator hoses at the same time.