and cost control: Replace brake pads or shoes when they wear thin. The material, usually ceramic, last 20,000-30,000 on cars, 25,000-45,000 on trucks. Resurface or replace brake rotors... as recommended. Rotors are the discs in disc brakes. Replace worn belts before they break and cost you a tow. Replace cracked hoses before your engine overheats. Check fluid...