If you own a car, you know you need to keep up on the maintenance. Part of the maintenance checklist includes oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups. In most cases, there's a maintenance checklist in the back of the owner's manual. But, if you don't have an owner's manual, some of the less common maintenance requirements can be overlooked. Unfortunately, that can lead to some serious problems for your car, and for you. Read the list provided below. Here are some common maintenance items that are often overlooked. If you haven't taken care of these maintenance needs in a while, schedule a general car maintenance appointment for your car. 

Replace the Cabin Filter

If you haven't changed the cabin filter in your car, now's the time to take care of that. You might not realize this, but the cabin filter is an essential part of your car. Not only does the cabin filter remove particles from the air, but it also helps keep the air smelling clean. There are some ways you can tell if the cabin filter needs replacing. One sign is if the air inside your car smells dirty. Poor airflow is another sign. If you have poor airflow through the vents, or the air smells nasty, it's time to replace the cabin filter. 

Flush the Cooling System

If the cooling system in your car hasn't been flushed in a few years, it's time for a service appointment. Your entire cooling system operates on water and radiator fluid. Because of that, the system needs to be flushed from time to time. Flushing the cooling system helps to prevent rust and corrosion, and also helps to keep dirt and debris out of your cooling system. Before your car starts overheating, have the cooling system flushed in your car. 

Service the Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner is working well right now, you might not think you need to worry about a service call. But, that's not the case. If you're like most people, you only use the air conditioner in your car a few months out of the year. That lack of use can cause your air conditioner to dry out, and can also cause the belts to rot. Before you're left without cool air on a hot summer day, have the air conditioner serviced. 

Clean the Battery Terminals

If you haven't looked at the battery in your car for a while, now's the time to pop the hood. If you see a white substance on the terminals, it's time for some maintenance. The white substance is corrosion, and it can ruin your battery. Luckily, you can remove it with a wire brush. If you're not sure how to do that, take your car in to a local repair shop. They can clean the battery terminals for you.