As a college student, you're probably not making much money. If you're lucky enough, you might have a part-time job that only pays minimum wage. This means that saving for things like car maintenance may prove to be difficult in the long run.

So, in case your car breaks down or stops working unexpectedly, you risk a financial bind. However, you don’t have to reach this extent. It only takes responsibility and awareness to avoid unnecessary car maintenance.

1- Check Your Tires

Tire pressure is essential to maintaining your tires' performance and safety. A low pressure tire can decrease gas mileage by up to 3 percent, according to AAA. That's why it's important to check the pressure in all four tires regularly — at least once a month if you drive often.

2- Keep an Eye on Your Oil Level

Oil lubricates your engine so it runs smoothly and efficiently — which saves you money on gas as well as wear-and-tear on your engine components over time. So checking your oil level regularly will help avoid problems like excessive heat buildup due to lack of lubrication, affecting delicate engine's parts.

3- Keep Your Windshield Clean and Free of Damage

Keeping your windshield clean is essential to help you see the road clearly when driving. You should also make sure there's no cracks or chips in the windshield which can obstruct your view.

4- Schedule Regular Car Inspections

You should take your vehicle in for an inspection every few months, or at least once a year. An inspection will let you know if there are any issues that need attention, such as worn tires or excessive oil consumption. It's also a great time to ask about any upgrades that could improve your driving experience.

5- Make Sure All Lights Are Working Properly

This includes headlights, taillights and turn signals — yet don't forget about the brake lights and hazard lights. If any of these fail to work properly, you could be pulled over by law enforcement officials and ticketed for a traffic violation (such as failure to signal).

6- Keep Your Battery Charged

You may not use your vehicle all that often during the school year, but batteries need to be charged regularly if they are going to stay healthy and long. If you're not driving your car regularly during this time, check the battery every couple of weeks just in case there is a problem developing so it doesn't become an issue later on down the road.

7- Change Your Air Filter Regularly

The air filter keeps dirt out of your engine, so it's important that you change it regularly to prevent more serious problems like clogged fuel injectors or catalytic converters.

8- Inspect Fluids and Hoses Frequently for Leaks or Cracks

Fluid leaks are one of the most common causes of car repairs since they're often hidden from view under covers and behind walls or under carpets or seats (if there are any). Make sure you look around carefully whenever you open up an engine compartment so you don't get stuck with unexpected repair bills later on down the road.

As a college student, you already have a lot on your plate. The last thing you should have to worry about is your car leaving you stranded due to improper maintenance. It takes some time and effort, but understanding how to keep your car running in top condition will pay for itself ultimately in the long run.