Sometimes it’s nice to do things because you care. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, show your car some love with any of these three helpful, but sometimes ignored, preventive maintenance techniques.

Set things straight.

A properly aligned set of wheels makes your car drive straight and prevents tires from wearing out unevenly. While most people have the wheel alignment set when the tires are replaced, it’s a good idea to have this service done once a year, especially if you hit a lot of potholes, said AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul.

Switch it up a little.

Say “yes” when your mechanic suggests a tire rotation, especially if it’s been anywhere close to 7,000 miles. Steering and braking causes tires to wear down at different rates depending on where they are on the car, and rotating the tires helps slow the effects. It also gives your mechanic a chance to look at critical safety parts like the brakes and the suspension, Paul said.

Out with the old stuff.

Not every car requires a brake fluid flush and replacement, but doing so can rid the reservoir of moisture that can cause the braking system to rust. Many automakers recommend replacing brake fluid every two to three years. If it’s a service that hasn’t crossed your mind in a while, it’s a good idea to have it checked out, Paul said.

AAA.com/Automotive 

If the American automobile industry had its own Mount Rushmore (on the side of a cliff somewhere outside Detroit), the sculptor creating the monument would have plenty of faces from which to choose. Here are four pioneers who fit the bill, whose visions and innovativeness in the automotive sector helped make the car what it is today.

Henry Ford

Born on his father’s Michigan farm in July 1863, Henry Ford made automobiles affordable for middle-class Americans with his revolutionary Model T cruiser. In 1913, he built the first moving assembly line at his company’s Highland Park, Mich., plant, which reduced the time it took to build one of his cars from 12 hours to less than three.

Ransom E. Olds

The son of a blacksmith, Ohio-born inventor Ransom Eli Olds was the force behind two major American automobile companies, Oldsmobile and REO. Before Ford’s moving assembly line, Olds used the first stationary assembly line to build the Curved Dash Oldsmobile, a process that essentially introduced mass production into the automobile industry.

William C. Durant

Boston-born businessman Billy Durant went from selling cigars and horse-drawn carriages in Flint, Mich., to founding General Motors, the automobile industry’s first multi-brand holding company, in 1908. While he had arguably as many failures as successes, many of the brands he once led, including Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet, still exist today.

Charles B. King

A mentor to Ford and Olds, Charles Brady King was the first person to build and drive a gasoline-powered car on the streets of Detroit – a feat accomplished way back in 1896. He may not be a household name, but with over 40 automobile patents to his credit, including steering gears and transmissions, his impact on the industry cannot be denied.

Illustration: A Mount Rushmore of automakers might include, from left, Henry Ford, Ransom E. Olds, William C. Durant and Charles B. King.

We asked Terrence Mahon, high performance coach at the Boston Athletic Association – the organization behind the Boston Marathon – about the essentials for winter running safety. Here are his top picks for winter-weather gear.

Winter running shoes:

These offer less-breathable uppers and extra traction, with moisture-wicking or water-repellent materials. Check out stabilizers with small spikes or rubber pads that fit over your shoe for added grip.

Socks:

Winter weather calls for thicker socks, synthetic or wool instead of cotton.

Leg layers:

Invest in thicker, fleece-lined tights. For wet days, opt for water-repellent pants.

Upper body:

Keeping your upper body warm is all about layers. Mahon recommends wearing a short-sleeve synthetic shirt, a long-sleeve shirt and jacket. Wear a heavy-duty jacket with sealed seams for rain and snow, and a breathable jacket for dry, cold conditions.

Before work, every minute counts. Here’s some advice on how to get snow and ice off your car in a hurry.

• Make or buy a de-icer spray and use it on the windshield, side windows and mirrors to kick ice clearing into high gear.
• Use de-icer on the wiper blades and pull them off the glass before scraping the windshield. Tears on the rubber parts of the blades could ruin them.
• A telescoping foam snow brush can help you clear hard-to-reach areas on the roof. Plus, unlike brooms and shovels, foam tools are less likely to scratch a car’s finish.
• Work from the top down, pulling snow toward you. It requires less effort and helps you avoid having to clear the same areas twice.
• When possible, park facing east the night before. This will give the sun a chance to get the melting going in the a.m.
• Never use hot water to melt ice; instead, let your front and rear defrosters work their magic – just make sure the tailpipe is clear and never leave the engine running in an enclosed area like a garage.
• Removing snow and ice from your vehicle is important. Driving with snow cascading from your car’s roof can limit visibility for others on the road, putting them in danger. It is even a traffic violation in some states.

Valerie Grubb loves to travel. Not only that, she loves to travel with her mom. In the past 20 years, the author of “Planes, Canes, and Automobiles: Connecting With Your Aging Parents Through Travel” has logged more than 300,000 miles with her mother, now 85.

“It’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done,” she said.

You, too, can have a great trip with your mom or dad, even if they have mobility challenges. Just follow Grubb’s tips.

Watch them walk

Don’t leave home without understanding your parents’ physical capabilities. “That may actually help you decide where you want to go,” said Grubb. A parent who struggles with the stairs won’t climb the 387 steps to the top of Notre Dame Cathedral. Pay your parents a visit and observe them so you can help them make the best choices for the trip.

Talk to the doc

Go with your parent for a pretrip checkup to discuss health concerns and details about medications (including generic names) your parent is taking. Carry a list of those medications and their doctors’ contact information with you at all times. “It’s rare that something happens when you’re just at the hotel,” Grubb said.

Remember that things change

If you haven’t spent extended time with your parents in a while, be aware that their dietary preferences may have changed, their memory may have diminished, or they may need more frequent rest stops. Grubb said that her mother was once “fearless” but became more wary of new places and of flying alone as she grew older. With patience and forethought, most issues can be overcome. “It changes the vacation a bit, but I can tell you it’s worth it,” Grubb said.

Travel puts you and your parent in a new adventure and allows you to deepen your relationship. Grubb, for instance, learned during one trip that her demure mom had been kicked out of high school for fighting. “You’re going to find out so much more about your parents when you’re with them,” she said. “New places trigger memories in all of us.”

Our motivation drops with every snowfall, but you can stay active when cold weather hits. Fight off hibernation habits with these winter workouts.

Shoveling snow

• A person weighing 170 pounds can burn about 250 calories over 30 minutes of shoveling, according to North Dakota State University.

• Shoveling increases your heart rate and provides a full-body workout.

• First, consider your age and physical limitations and get your doctor’s OK to perform such strenuous exercise. To prevent injury, make sure you use the right approach. Stretch and warm up then start slowly and take frequent breaks. Use proper posture to prevent back injuries. Bend at the knees and lift with your legs, rather than your lower back. Keep one hand at the shovel handle and the other close to the blade to maximize leverage.

Ice skating

• According to the United States Figure Skating Association, a 150-pound person skating for one hour burns 600 to 800 calories and gets the same aerobic exercise as running 5 miles.

• Skating exercises your quadriceps, hamstrings, abdominal muscles and lower back.

• Skating is low impact and avoids the joint strain common with running.

Snowshoeing

• According to www.snowshoes.com, snowshoers burn between 430 and 1,000 calories per hour, depending on speed, terrain and snow density.

• Snowshoeing is a low impact, cardiovascular activity that exercises the legs and promotes balance.

• And it’s easy! All you need are snowshoes, weather-appropriate clothes and brief instruction to start.

Cross-country skiing

• According to www.humankinetics.com, a 130-pound skier burns about 470 calories and a 190-pound skier burns about 700 calories during one hour of moderate cross-country skiing.

• Cross-country skiing requires upper-body propulsion and provides a full body workout.

• Plus, you can just set off on a ski trail – no lift tickets or lines to slow you down.

Please consult your physician or other health care professional before starting any new exercise regimen.

When the cat’s away, the mice will play. But when the human’s away, what does the cat do?

Food puzzles keep your pet occupied when you’re not home. They can be found at pet stores and online, and have several difficulty levels for various animal species. These puzzles compel pets to forage for food using their senses. According to www.bestfriends.org, food puzzles engage pets mentally and physically, improve behavioral health, and promote confidence through overcoming obstacles.

One do-it-yourself puzzle repurposes a muffin tin and tennis balls: Fill a muffin tin with tennis balls, hiding a treat under one of the balls, and challenge your pet to find the snack and remove the obstacle.

Food puzzles may be difficult. Using their favorite treats, teach your pets how the puzzle works so they can crack the dinner code when you’re away.

Visit AAA.com/PetInsurance to find out how you can save up to 90% on vet bills. 

Winter means lots of time spent indoors. Lots.

And there are only so many movies and You-Tube cat videos that one can watch. Why not liven things up with a board game or two? But instead of hauling your circa-1985 edition of Trivial Pursuit or Risk from the basement, check out a new game on your smartphone or tablet.

No missing pieces, and you can download a new one every day if you want. So long, cabin fever!

Here are some of our faves.

Scrabble

iPhone ($7.99), iPad ($9.99) and Android devices (free)
Electronic Arts
Download: iOS, Android

No more missing tiles! Plus, the digital version has a speed play function and the ability to compete against your Facebook friends. You can also play a face-to-face game with the app’s pass n’ play option. A-W-E-S-O-M-E.

Monopoly

iPhone (99 cents), iPad ($4.99) and Android ($1.99)
Electronic Arts
Download: iOS, Android 

Remember how tedious Monopoly used to be? Counting out the money, figuring out who owns what? Well, the digital version does away with all that. Plus, you can challenge up to three friends with the pass and play feature. And maybe the best part? You shake the “dice” by shaking your phone.

Scattergories

iPhone, iPad and Android (all versions free)
Magmic Inc.
Download: iOS, Android

Quick! Think of a book title, fruit and car make that all start with the letter B. If you love making lists and thinking on your feet, this game’s for you. It’s fast, it’s fun, and you can either play against a random opponent or dial up your Facebook friends for an added challenge.

Heads Up!

iPhone, iPad and Android (all versions 99 cents)
Warner Bros.
Download: iOS, Android

Remember the board game Headbands? This is a lot like that, but a little more grown-up. It’s the brainchild of Ellen DeGeneres, who often plays it with guests on her show. You put your phone on your forehead, display side out, and must guess what word is displayed with help from the other players.

Jenga

iPhone, iPad and Android (all versions free)
NaturalMotion
Download: iOS, Android

3-D simulation makes you feel like you’re actually poking and prodding little blocks in a wobbly wooden tower. Up to four people can play with the app’s pass and play feature, and there’s no clean-up involved once the tower inevitably topples over.

Gotta get more games? For more virtual suggestions visit AAA.com/WinterPartyApps.

Looking for an all-natural way to keep you and your environs sparkling? Here are five natural remedies to try – and you probably already have the ingredients in your cabinets.

Wood polish

Mix the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of water. Dab onto a cloth and wipe into wood. (Mother Nature Network)

Lip moisturizer

In a pinch? A dab of coconut oil will leave lips baby soft. (Babble)

Vanilla brown sugar scrub

Rub this sweet-smelling scrub on your hands, feet and elbows for smooth, soft skin. Mix together 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup olive or coconut oil, ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil and 1 teaspoon of real vanilla extract. Store scrub in an airtight container. (www.somewhatsimple.com)

Magic microwave cleaner

If the inside of your microwave has seen better days, try this trick. Put ½ cup vinegar and ½ cup water into a bowl and bring to a boil inside the microwave. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then just wipe down the inside. It’s magic! (www.livelovediy.com)

Good scents

Start your vacuuming by sucking up 2-3 tablespoons of cinnamon. The vacuum will warm and distribute the scent throughout your home. (LifeTricks)

With big treads and softer rubber, winter tires give your vehicle better traction on nasty roads. If you recently made the switch to winter rollers, here’s some advice from AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul on what to do with your summer set for the next few months.

DO

Clean the tires with soap and water and scrub them with a tire brush if you have one. While it’s not as effective, a wet rag will also do the trick.

DON’T

Never stash tires in a wet or damp location, which could cause corrosion. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from electric motors, furnaces and generators, too. Heat from the sun and ozone from electric motors can damage the rubber compounds in tires.

DO

Keep the tires in a dry location like a garage or shed. Climate-controlled rooms are even better. Store the tires upright, inflated at 50 percent of their normal pressure. If storing the tires outside, place each in its own plastic leaf or trash bag and poke a couple of holes in the bags for ventilation. This keeps heavy moisture out and important oils in.

DON’T

Tires don’t last forever. Do not remount them before checking for cracks in the sidewall and excessive wear on the treads. Both are signs that it’s time for a replacement.

For driver resources and information on roadside assistance, auto repair and more, go to AAA.com/Automotive.