Proper maintenance would keep your vehicle running efficiently and ensure its reliability.  A well-maintained vehicle is also likely to fetch a better resale price.

It is important to read the owner's manual and familiarise yourself with the maintenance schedule and requirements recommended by the manufacturer, which can vary from one vehicle to another.

In between servicing and vehicle inspections, it is also advisable to perform the following regular checks to ensure that your vehicle is in good operating condition, and to identify problems that may increase your fuel costs.

Tyres Check your tyres pressure at least once a month. Also, check for embedded objects, which can cause air leaks and lead to increased fuel consumption.
Uneven wearing of tyres could be a sign of over-inflation, under-inflation or improper wheel alignment.  Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption and wear and tear on tyres.  Over-inflated tyres do not reduce fuel consumption significantly but may compromise safety. Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended tyre pressures.

Check around the car and under the engine for fluid leaks.

Fluids such as engine oil lubricate the moving parts of the engine, minimizing friction carrying away excess heat and leading to optimal engine performance and fuel economy.

Use good quality, energy-conserving (EC) oils that have a viscosity grade consistent with the manual. Look for cans marked with the symbol ECII, which is the American Society of Test Materials logo for fuel-efficient oils.

Use a fuel with good detergent additives - to keep the vehicle engine clean and therefore, performing efficiently.

Check the fluid levels for engine oil, engine coolant, transmission fluid and power steering fluid.  Refer to the owner's manual for other specific instructions.

Check for problems with the brakes.  Malfunctioning brakes can significantly increase fuel consumption because the vehicle must work harder to overcome the resistance.

One main factor for decreasing fuel economy is a partially blocked exhaust.  As catalytic converter undergoes wear and tear, they may collapse internally, leading to restricted exhaust from the engines.

Dirty air filters can also cause your engine to run at less than peak efficiency.  Regular visual checks of the air filter will tell you if it needs replacing and your owner's manual will also recommend appropriate replacement intervals. Replacing clogged air filters can impose fuel economy by as much as 10%.