This past weekend, I was graced with the pleasure of dealing with an overwhelming amount of car problems. From flat tires to broken belts, I think I entered one auto shop or another at least 5 times over the weekend. As I sat at my computer today debating over exactly which topic to enlighten you about, the haunting images of my automotive experiences seem to dominate my thoughts. I cannot stress the importance of maintaining your car. Here are some of the valuable lessons I learned this weekend.

• Rotate your tires. If you don’t rotate your tires, they will go bald and eventually explode into a million pieces as you cruise down the freeway at nearly 80 mph sending you reeling into oncoming traffic which could result in your imminent death. Luckily, this didn’t happen to me. I do openly admit, however, that bald tires are NOT a good idea for the cold, snowy winter months.

• Listen to your car. Although your car is an inanimate object, it can tell you many things. For example, when you pull out of the parking lot and hear your car screaming at you like a banshee being boiled in hot oil, it probably means that you need to get the belts tightened. Trust me on this one, it’s easier to get taken care of before the belt falls off, which stops your water pump and alternator from working, which overheats your engine, requiring you to purchase a new radiator. Other signs that your car is not feeling well are loud thumping noises, excess smoke emitting from the rear of the car or from under the hood, or anything that could be related to an explosion (fire, explosive noises, a ticking device with an attached timer).

• Keep your car clean inside and out. If anything, just do it to impress the girls.

• Your car needs to keep hydrated just like you do. They suggest that the average human consume 8 glasses of water daily to keep hydrated. Well, your car needs to keep hydrated as well. Check the fluids in your car on a regular basis. Normally they will take care of this for you when you go get your oil changed. If you keep them topped off, you won’t have to wake up to find a very expensive rock with wheels in your driveway because your engine seizes up.

Your car is one of those things that is easy to take for granted, very much like your health. Once it’s out of commission, however, you can be in a world of hurt. Here’s a cool product that you probably don’t have that The Organization Place provides to help you maintain the health of your car. The bumper and door guards will help prevent your car from getting those unnecessary dents and dings from sloppy parking. Put them on your walls, on pillars, on corners or even on your child’s head.