Don’t forget to change your car’s spark plugs periodically.

The advent of electronic ignition and on-board computers has eliminated the need for regular tune-ups, but you still need to change your spark plugs. Many manufacturers recommend changing plugs every 30,000 or 40,000 miles to ensure good fuel mileage and engine performance. Some new cars come with long-life plugs (sometimes called double platinum plugs) that can last for 100,000 miles. If your car isn’t so equipped, make the switch after 30,000 miles or the recommended mileage found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. The extra cost is only a few dollars per spark plug. While you’re at it, you can take a little extra time to change your spark plug wires as well, as they typically last around 50,000 miles. Deteriorated wires can cause those high-tech new spark plugs to foul quicker than you’d like.