Keeping a vehicle maintenance log is an essential part of any business with multiple vehicles. Additionally, private owners with multiple vehicles can also benefit from vehicle maintenance software to keep vehicles running smoothly and efficiently. Proper maintenance not only catches problems before they're critical but also can prevent problems from beginning. With increasing costs it pays to keep your vehicles in good shape and lasting longer. Here are eight tips to make that happen.

1) Regular oil changes. For older vehicles it's recommended for a long engine life to change oil every 3,000 miles. Newer vehicles with modern lubricants have sometimes revised this to as much as 9,000 miles. If your fleet has a mix of old and new, as many do, installing a vehicle maintenance program is important. With the right software you get pop-up reminders every time a vehicle needs maintenance, according to the program you choose. Proper engine maintenance increases vehicle life, pure and simple.

2) Regularly check hoses. Replace hoses when worn - before they leave a driver stranded along the road! Soft spots and leaks are wasteful of coolant but can increase engine wear every time it heats up. Checking these hoses once per month takes a very small amount of time and can be done while checking fluid levels.

3) Check belts and replace when needed. While some say a belt just came off, many more would have seen problems if they'd have checked. Check not only for wear or missing pieces but also for proper adjustment.

4) Check and maintain tires. Keep air level at a proper level according to manufacturer recommendations. Check tread level and for uneven wear patterns that are usually indicating a problem long before a blow out. Don't forget to check sidewalls. Dry rot, cracks, missing pieces can happen. Objects on the highway can damage tires as well.

5) Check and maintain fluid levels. While most remember to check oil, often the coolant level, brake and automatic transmission level can be forgotten until it shows problems. At this point the damage has begun and can't be reversed. Enough wear and tear and your vehicles have a much shorter life.

6) Check and repair lights when needed. Regular and prompt repair of any lights that don't work is not just good maintenance but safety. While doing this check fuses to make sure none are replaced. Keep extras of the common fuses in each vehicle.

7) Don't ignore warning lights. It might be "nothing" but if the light comes on it's time to pay attention to it promptly. It might be as simple as a wire coming unplugged or as serious as another five miles and the vehicle seizes up.

8) Keep a written record. Have an ongoing tracking system of what was done to each vehicle. If each vehicle has monthly checks done have those in the file.

Properly kept vehicle maintenance logs shouldn't be a luxury - they're a necessity. A well maintained vehicle lasts longer, is more efficient to operate and has a higher resale value if you trim your fleet. It also saves expenses of employees being stuck in hotel rooms, tow truck bills and other expenses that few want to pay. Good maintenance doesn't cost, it pays. A good vehicle maintenance software program makes this job much easier, more accurate and more efficient.