Your engine oil is possibly the most critical fluid in your vehicle. 

Providing critical lubrication to moving parts at high temperatures, the engine oil keeps things running smoothly mile after mile.

But over time, engine oil degrades and needs to be changed, along with the oil filter. 

Automakers specify recommended oil change intervals like 10,000 miles, and following these vehicle maintenance schedules ensures the longevity of your engine.

If you want to change your oil yourself, following specific steps ensures a thorough job. 

The first step is checking your engine oil level with the dipstick. Raise the hood with your car on level ground and locate the dipstick.

After initially removing the dipstick, wipe off the end with a rag or paper towel, and note the indicator marks for the oil level. Then re-insert the stick, remove it, and observe the oil level compared to the indicators. Then you can add oil if needed. 

Changing your engine oil is a relatively simple procedure involving raising your vehicle off the ground, draining the old oil, changing the filter, and adding the new oil. 

Using the recommended grade and type of oil for your specific make and model provides the best protection for your engine. 

Regular auto maintenance is vital to a vehicle's performance, and finding a car in excellent condition on the used market can be a challenge. But Shift makes it easy. Shift's certified mechanics perform extensive 150-point inspections on every car and have complete vehicle history reports, so you know your used car feels as good as new. And with auto-related costs like fuel and insurance putting a strain on your bank account, it helps to save money where you can. One way of doing this is by securing a good auto loan. Shift works with a network of trusted lenders who compete for your business, so you get the best deal on financing.

The tires on your car provide traction and stopping power and help you obtain better fuel economy. But to perform those functions, tires need regular maintenance and upkeep.

It might seem like once you have a new set of tires installed, you don't need to pay much attention to them. However, following the guidelines specified by the tire manufacturer ensure you experience optimum performance.

Performing a tire rotation per manufacturer's guidelines assures you of even treadwear and longevity. 

Today, most cars have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that alerts you to low air pressure. And although low air pressure in your tires might seem like a minor issue, it's vital to their longevity and your safety.

Low air pressure in your tires can cause many problems, like a blowout, reduced fuel economy, poor handling, and decreased longevity. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends checking your tire pressures once per month.

The battery in your vehicle provides the energy to start the engine, run the heating and air conditioning, and power the lighting system.

But like many components on your car, the battery has a finite lifespan and needs replacement from time to time.

Or, due to varying factors, your battery may run out of juice and require a jump to start the engine. 

If you find yourself in the tricky situation of having a drained battery, performing a jump start is a simple way to get back on the road. 

Performing a jumpstart involves connecting two batteries from separate cars via cables and using the energy from one to replenish the other. 

But if your battery has reached the end of its service life, replacing it is relatively simple.

An auto parts store or repair shop can guide you on the proper type of battery, and if you have the know-how, you can install it yourself. 

But if you'd rather let a mechanic handle the job, many locations that sell batteries offer free installation, saving your time and hassle. And they'll also take your old battery off of your hands, so you don't have to drive back and turn it in to receive the core charge fee refund. 

When you shop for a new battery, you can expect to pay a range of prices, depending on the technology you select. Traditional batteries use sealed lead-acid (SLA) construction and cost less. But some batteries use absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology that can drastically raise the cost.

While SLA batteries offer plenty of starting power, AGM versions offer benefits worth considering, like higher durability and the ability to withstand more charge cycles. 

And if you live in a particularly harsh climate, you'll want to pay attention to a battery's cold-cranking amps (CCA) before deciding on which one to buy. The higher the number, the more starting power during cold weather, when batteries are typically less powerful.

Your vehicle's braking system is vital to driving safety.

And since brake pads and rotors wear out with time, replacing them when necessary assures you of plenty of stopping power.

If you hear a squeaking or squealing when you apply the brake pedal, it may be a wear indicator on your brake pads alerting you that it's time to replace them. Or there might be an electronic indicator on your dashboard noting it's time for a brake service.

Either way, you can have a mechanic install new pads and rotors or do it yourself. Installing new pads and discs yourself can save you hundreds of dollars and is a somewhat basic procedure. 

If you decide on doing it yourself, be sure to purchase high-quality pads and rotors for your specific make and model, and follow a good step-by-step guide for proper safety and fitment. 

When you're in the market for a used car, how can you know its maintenance history? Although an advertisement might look nice, a vehicle could be hiding mechanical issues. And when you buy a pre-owned car, you want something that'll stand the test of time. Shift offers best-in-class service contracts at a fair price without sales pressure. You get the great price and value of a used car with the bumper-to-bumper protection of a new car. With a Shift Vehicle Protection plan, not only are essential components covered, but you receive roadside assistance. Wherever you happen to be in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada, help is just a toll-free phone call away, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.