Smaller mechanical issues can develop into large, expensive ones for your vehicle if left unchecked.

Keep stress away by getting ahead of the curve.

“A lot can happen,” said Jeff Allison, the store manager at Butler’s Monroe Auto Service and Tire Center. “The cooling system can plug up; it could overheat your engine, just cause bigger issues. The radiator could crack, stuff like that. As far as the tires go, tires could blow out; people could slide all over the roads if they don’t have good enough tread.”

There are other important things, too.

“I’d definitely recommend having the brakes checked, your coolants checked to see if a flush is needed,” Allison said. “Check the tires, battery, basically all of your basic maintenance items, air filters, stuff like that.

“That’s going to be the best (way) to keep the motor running, keep everything the way it needs to be with no further issues.”

Keeping a well-maintained vehicle is of upmost importance, Allison will tell you.

“It’s the highest priority on my list when it comes to a vehicle,” he said. “Just making sure that everything is in great, working order — nothing is rusting, wearing out.”