Angela Roewe
Contributing Writer

Nearly nine out of 10 female motorists are at least somewhat involved in the decision-making process for their household's vehicle maintenance and repair, according to a study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, and many admit they don't have all the knowledge they need to do so.

Here's a crash course, courtesy of Jiffy Lube, to help your chariot deliver you to future destinations safely and without interruption.

Have a car-care expert perform preventive maintenance services on a regular basis, such as topping off fluid levels, inspecting belts and hoses, checking tire pressure and the engine oil, and making sure all the lights work.

Check or have a professional check your engine air filter periodically. The engine air filter is like the vehicle's lung.

Check your engine oil and filter. Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Check the oil level regularly and check your owner's manual for when to change the oil and which grade to use.

Clean and replace worn wiper blades. Wiper blades should be swapped out about every six months. Check for cracks regularly, and clean dirty wiper blades with a wet paper towel.

TIRES Although winter seems a long time away, it's not, and you may want to double-check your vehicle's tires and prepare now for an upgrade, if needed. Tires are one of the most important safety features on cars since they are the vehicle's only contact with the road.

Even the most advanced braking systems and anti-lock brakes cannot work as designed if the tires can't grip the road. If your tires are worn, under-inflated, or not suited to the local environment and your driving habits, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk. Here are some tire maintenance and buying tips from automotive experts to keep you and your car riding smoothly:

First, perform a visual inspection to see if you need new tires. Look for poor tread wear, cracked sidewall or bulges. If they are more than five years old, they should be replaced. Check the manufacturer's date on the sidewall to see when the tire was manufactured. This is included in the Department of Transportation (DOT) number that is embossed on the tire. For example, in the last section of the DOT number, the very last two digits indicate the year the tire was manufactured and the preceding two digits represent the week. To test the tread, insert a penny in the grooves with Abe Lincoln's head down. If the tread does not cover his hairline, it's time to get new tires.

Buy tires to match your driving habits, as well as the driving conditions in your area. Tires that run at higher speeds for long distances will also tend to wear out faster than those who drive shorter distances. And consider how long you are going to keep the car. If you plan to keep your car for several years, you might want to spend a little more money for a tire with longer tread wear.

Always keep your tires properly inflated. Improper inflation can cause uneven tread wear, shorten lifespan, and decrease your car's responsiveness. Check the door jam for the placard containing the manufacturer's recommendation. Keep in mind that most American manufacturers recommend a "softer" ride and a tire that is at the lower limits of its inflation. Adding a pound or two of air will give you a harder ride, but will let you feel the road and increase responsiveness. Test the pressure with a quality gauge and do it when the tires are cold for the most accurate reading.

Also, fill your tires with nitrogen, which will maintain a more uniform pressure in your tires for a longer period, extending their lives. It's okay to mix air and nitrogen if you need to add a couple of pounds. You also may want to ask for a "purge" the next time your car is in for maintenance where they'll take out the air and replace it with nitrogen.

Rotate and balance your tires according to the manufacturer's recommendation so your tires will wear evenly and perform well. This should be done about every 7,000 miles.

Maintain proper wheel alignment. Alignment refers to how the wheels are positioned on the axle and is directly related to the vehicle's suspension and steering. It should be adjusted with the purchase of a new tire, after a major road hazard, or every 12,000 miles.

When replacing less than four tires, always replace them with the same model and brand. Mismatched tires can cause awkward handling or pulling to one side due to the fact that all tires are made with different compounds, tread design and internal construction. Also, allow about 500 miles of break-in time for new tires. A lubricant used in the manufacturing process can leave a residue on the tread of new tires that may cause less grip, so it's best to try to avoid hard cornering or quick breaking early on that will put more stress on your new tires.