(NAPSI)—Proper car maintenance promotes reliability, making it important to perform proper vehicle check-ups before heading out on holiday road trips. Tackle this basic care routine to maintain the value of your car and avoid road trip headaches by addressing minor issues before they become costly repairs.

Replace the Filter

Experts recommend changing your car's engine filter every 12 months. Check your owner's manual to locate it in your vehicle, open the case and review how it is positioned inside. Remove the old air filter and insert the new one at exactly the same position. Finish by closing the metal clips on the case.

Lubricate the Grille, Hinges, Nuts and Bolts

Wipe the hinges and latches on the hood and doors with a clean rag and spray them with a multi-purpose lubricant to prevent squeaks and corrosion.

Use WD-40 EZ-REACH_™ to make your life a whole lot easier. Its metal straw bends and keeps its shape to get the WD-40^® Multi-Use Product into hard-to-reach areas like hood hinges and even a stuck oil pan drain plug. Push the straw down and use its wide spray to lubricate the car's grille and prevent bugs from sticking to it while on the road.

Change Spark Plugs

Most spark plugs should be replaced every 80,000 miles. They come in pairs of four to eight-depending on the cylinders of your car-and are attached to your engine, under the plug covers. Remove the wire using a ratchet's spark plug socket. Screw the new spark plug in by hand at first, then tighten with a wrench and re-attach the spark plug wire. Repeat these steps for each plug.

Protect your investment before getting on the road. For more information about how WD-40 EZ-REACH can make car maintenance easier, visit wd40.com/EZ.

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)