Slow down. Driving at moderate speeds improves fuel economy and puts less wear on the car.

Don't tailgate. Tailgating wears the brakes, and causes accidents.

Start and stop gradually. You'll have less wear on the engine, transmission and brakes.

Don't use reverse as a brake. Stop before shifting into reverse.

Don't abuse the clutch. In cars with a manual transmission, holding the car on a hill with the clutch or keeping the clutch pedal depressed while waiting for a light can wear the clutch prematurely.

Don't turn the wheel when you're stopped. That strains front-end components. Keep the car rolling slightly while maneuvering.

Steer around potholes. They can damage tires, wheels and front-end components. If you can't steer around or straddle a pothole, release the brakes just before the wheels drop in so they won't lock.

Avoid prolonged idling. Idling for more than 30 seconds or so wastes fuel and wears the engine more than restarting it.

Don't abuse the wipers. Wiping a dry windshield can scratch the glass. And turning on the wipers when they're stuck in ice can burn out the wiper motor.

Don't spin the wheels. If you're stuck in snow or mud, rock the car gently, using only Drive or only Reverse. Alternately depress the accelerator gently and release it to start the car rocking, and gradually increase the car's travel.

Break in a new car. Avoid full-throttle acceleration for the first 1,000 miles or so, and vary your speed as much as possible.