Here are some tips for extending the life of your car and for keeping that new-car-look.

[1] Never wipe a dry windshield or car paint. Quartz grains in the dirt can scratch the glass or paint. Use a wetted cloth or better yet, a chamois.

[2] Replace the water/glycol mix in your radiator with pure distilled water and anti freeze. Dissolved minerals in the tap water eventually create acid that will eat away at your radiator core prematurely.

[3] Treat your windshield with Rain-X. Not only is it easier to see in rainy weather, but bugs, dirt, and bird excrement come off easily.

[4] Always fill your gas tank to the top. The space above the gas level contains water from the air and in certain weather conditions freezes in the gas line. Only isopropyl alcohol will remove it.

[5] Wash the engine compartment with a degreaser twice a year. Dirt build-up prevents the dissipation of heat. Too high temperatures in the engine compartment shortens the life of rubber, seals, valves, and could cause a fire.

[6] Always park in the shade if possible and use a sun shade for the dash. The walk will do you good and the plastic dash board will stay cool and resist cracking.

[7] Don't warm up the car in cold weather or cool it down on hot days. Do your bit to save gas. That's why they invented hats and gloves.

[8] Clean your spark plugs after 3000 miles of driving*. After three cleanings, replace them with new ones. Dirty plugs is the number one cause of poor power, low mileage, and slow starting.

[9] Don't eat in your car. Food spillage is the most common cause of bad smells in a car and some stains are impossible to get out.

[10] Every time you polish your car, wipe down the interior and clean the windows for that new car feeling.

*Excepting platinum plugs.