According to our experts, it’s recommended you change your car’s cabin air filter at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

At its core, the air filter is designed to clean the air that circulates through your vehicle’s heating and cooling system. The filter traps and holds many particles that could affect your health and comfort. You’re putting your engine at risk as well by neglecting air filter replacement service, as dirty air filters reduce the air flow to the engine and negatively impact your car’s air-fuel balance.

It’s important to stay on top of your car’s filter changes in order to breathe in clean air inside the cabin. As part of the vehicle inspection process here at Baxter Auto, we’ll never charge you to check your air filter.

We recommend you change your oil once every 6,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first.

Please be aware that not all vehicles follow this precise oil change interval guideline. The video below details recommended Subaru oil change intervals, which may vary from the make and model you drive. To learn more about your vehicle’s recommended oil change schedule and whether it requires conventional vs. synthetic oil, review your owner’s manual.

Here are a few signs your vehicle needs new wiper blades:

• Squeaking or chattering noise
• Wet patches
• Excessive streaking

To change your wiper blades, begin by locating the release button and pressing it. Give it a wiggle if the blade decides to stick. It’s important to not let go of the wiper arm and let it hit the windshield, as there can be a lot of tension in the wiper arm.

To install the new blades, simply slide them until they clip -- it’s that easy!

Do note that not all makes and models have the same release tab.

A multipoint inspection is a detailed inspection of your vehicle performed by a Baxter Auto service expert. It’s essential maintenance that allows our team to see how your vehicle is performing and diagnose whether any parts need to be replaced.

Here’s how the multipoint inspection process works at our Omaha and Kansas City auto service centers:

• Open the hood and check all fluids including the coolant, washer fluid and oil level
• Ensure there are no broken or out-of-place parts
• Check the car battery and engine air filter
• Raise the vehicle, check underneath and look for any damaged or out-of-place parts
• Ensure suspension components are in proper condition

By scheduling tire rotations regularly, you’re able to maintain a more even amount of tread on your tires and ensure that tire wear is evenly distributed.

During a tire rotation, a Baxter Auto service technician will first check the tread depth of each tire to determine if a rotation is needed. Once they’ve determined a rotation is necessary, they’ll move the front tires on your vehicle to the rear and vice versa.

You’ll want to review your owner’s manual for recommended tire rotation intervals, but a good rule of thumb is every 5,000 miles.