Good maintenance can keep your vehicle on the road for years to come -- and keep you safer on the road. Many drivers think maintenance equals oil changes. In fact, most people change oil more often than they need to but don't rotate their tires as frequently as they should. That's a big mistake. Proper rotation can add as much as 10,000 miles to the life of a set of tires. There's more you can do to keep your vehicle operating reliably:

• Keep maintenance records. They are good diagnostic tools and are proof you have cared for your vehicle, which can enhance its trade-in or resale value.
• Run your engine for a few minutes before powering up the heater, air conditioner, wipers and other accessories. Accelerating with a cold engine can cause premature engine failure.
• If your vehicle has fuel injection, keep the tank at least one-quarter full. Cornering with a nearly empty tank disrupts the flow to the fuel pump.
• Look for cracks or looseness in engine belts. Broken belts are a major reason for roadside breakdowns.
• Use a AAA-approved repair facility for repairs and maintenance. AAA's Approved Auto Repair network includes more than 7,400 facilities - the largest network in North America. These facilities feature certified mechanics, perform free maintenance inspections for AAA members and abide by AAA decisions in service disputes.

Your local AAA club also may be a valuable resource for maintenance help. Many clubs:

• Operate vehicle care centers.
• Offer annual "car check" inspections of brake fluid levels, battery connections, lights, belts and hoses by AAA Approved Auto Repair staff.
• Provide AAA's battery service, a mobile service that tests and replaces batteries 24 hours, seven days a week.