Commuting in a car like a Ford Focus can be comfortable and easy, but it can also create a good bit of wear and tear on your car. Here are some things you can do in order to keep your Ford Focus or other commuting car in tip-top shape:

•    Keep on schedule. It’s easy, especially when you have a longer commute, to get behind on oil changes and routine maintenance. If you’re driving 50 miles each way to work, for example, you’re going to need an oil change about once every six weeks, rather than every three months. Keep your maintenance up to make sure your commute is a reliable one.

•    Keep it clean. If you’re spending an hour or more in your car each way, you’re likely to get bored. You’re going to want to eat. Often, you’re going to need to drink something. Whenever possible, don’t eat in the car at all. If you drink in the car, use a plastic bottle with a cap so that you can seal the  drink tightly and prevent spills. Use a no-spill coffee cup for your coffee, too. If you smoke, don’t smoke inside the car as you run the risk of burning holes in the interior and stinking up the cabin.

•    Pay attention to your tires. Check your tire pressure weekly. Low tire pressure can affect your vehicle’s performance and even your gas mileage.

•    Drive defensively. Safe driving techniques keep your vehicle out of accidents. In addition, defensive driving tends to be much easier on you engine and your transmission, too.

Doing these three things should help increase the life and value of your 2008 Ford Focus, even if you use it for a long daily commute.