Is your vehicle feeling a little sluggish and run-down? Just as you may need the occasional day at the spa to recharge your battery, you can put the zip back into your vehicle with some pampering.

Massage: Nothing releases muscle tension and improves circulation better than a massage with long strokes and constant pressure. Your vehicle prefers to be driven the same way — on long stretches of highway and at constant speeds.

However, most people rarely drive their cars this way. If you make frequent short trips in stop-and-go traffic, you're actually a "severe" driver. If you've ever felt stiffer from the forceful pounding of a poor massage, you know just how your car feels under these conditions. If you regularly drive in severe conditions, check your car's owner's manual for your auto manufacturer's recommendations for routine maintenance intervals to keep your car running smoothly.

Also, good masseurs know to warm up the oil in their hands before rubbing it into your skin. When it's cold outside, your vehicle appreciates warm oil just as much as you do. Let the vehicle run for a few minutes (without pressing the gas pedal) so the oil can fully circulate and lubricate the engine.

Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy oils stimulate your senses or improve your mood. Certain oils are known to help you relax while others are known energy boosters. Just as you may have your favorite aromatherapy oil, so too, does your vehicle prefer certain types of motor oils.

The most important distinction between motor oils is viscosity, or how well the oil flows through and coats the engine at specific temperatures. Thicker oils have a higher viscosity and thinner oils have a lower viscosity. Nowadays, multi-viscosity oils are the most common. They have added polymers that prevent the oil from thinning as it gets warmer.

The first number you'll see on a bottle of motor oil indicates its cold weather measurement and the second number is the warm weather measurement (e.g. 10W30 ‐ the "W" means the oil is suitable for winter use). Your vehicle's owner's manual will specify what type of motor oil you should use. Generally, you should choose a grade with a narrow span between the cold and warm weather measurements and that covers the average temperature range for where you live.

Breathing Exercises: When you're stressed out, your breathing becomes short and shallow, limiting the amount of oxygen you can take into your lungs. Slow, deep breaths help your body release tension and cleanse toxins from the inside out.

A clean air filter in your vehicle improves the flow of air, which mixes with fuel in your engine to create the small explosions that make your vehicle go. A dirty air filter prevents enough air from being drawn into the engine and can throw off the fuel/air mix, resulting in poor fuel economy.

Skin Care: A daily skin care regimen is essential to keep your skin looking young and healthy. Regularly washing and waxing your vehicle will keep it looking beautiful throughout its life too.

Be sure to touch up any chipped paint and fill in any nicks to prevent rust from forming and spreading. And just as it's important to unclog your pores, a thorough vacuuming will keep your seats and floor mats dirt-free.

Foot Care: Whenever you stand, walk or run, your feet withstand one to three times your actual body weight. Often there's very little cushioning them from the hard ground beneath. No wonder foot rubs are some of the more popular spa indulgences!

Your tires withstand an awful lot of stress, too, and need to be regularly maintained. Properly inflating your tires is one of the easiest ways to make sure they'll always be there to support you.

If your tires look low, use a tire gauge to determine whether they need to be filled. Be careful not to exceed the recommended air pressure, which is usually listed in your vehicle owner's manual.

Check the treads to make sure your tires are not wearing thin. Place a penny in between two of the treads. If you can see all of Abe Lincoln's head, your tires need to be replaced. Most vehicle manufacturers also recommend rotating your tires every 6,000 to 10,000 miles, or whenever the treads start to wear unevenly.

Following these simple tips and keeping your car on a routine maintenance schedule can go a long way to ensuring it lives a long, healthy life.