There are some very simple checks that only take a few minutes to complete but can save you a lot of inconvenience and expense.
The weekly checks described do not require special skill or special tools, and the little time it takes to complete them can be put to great use for you.
For example:
Keeping your tires and tire pressure under control will not only help prevent premature tire wear, but may even save your life.
The cause of many breakdowns is a malfunction of electrical equipment. Battery-related faults are especially common, and as such, quick, regular checks can often prevent most of them from occurring.
If your car has a brake fluid leak, it may be that the first time you know about it is when the brakes are malfunctioning. Regular checking of the fluid level will allow you to know about this kind of malfunction in advance.
If the oil or coolant level drops, then the cost of repairing any engine damage will far outweigh the cost of finding the leak.