As new car prices continue to rise, more owners are choosing to hold onto their current vehicles longer, as the average car in the U.S. is now nearly 13 years old. To keep your car running smoothly well into its teen years, routine maintenance is essential. Two of the simplest and most affordable maintenance items, the engine air filter and the cabin air filter, are often overlooked.

Buying a used car can save you thousands of dollars compared to purchasing a new one, but it also comes with risks. A vehicle may look spotless on the outside and drive perfectly during a short test drive while hiding expensive mechanical or electrical problems beneath the surface.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the average MSRP of a new car has climbed to more than $51,000. Not long ago, that kind of money bought a fancy European luxury sedan. Today, it might only get you a mid-level Ford F-150. With new vehicle prices remaining high, it's no surprise that more shoppers are turning to the used-car market in search of better value.