Oil change prices are cheap compared to engine repair prices…Learn a few car maintenance basics and save thousands in auto repair bills

Oil change prices run under $30 at the major chains and are the life blood of your vehicle. Do you have the knowledge to check your oil and tire pressure? If a few preventative steps help us around the house imagine what they can do for our vehicles. A stitch in time saves nine as they say.

Google medical questions to learn about your body and Google auto care questions to learn about your car. With a little car smarts you’ll gain confidence when you visit your auto mechanic. Google the how-to basics and read your car manual on car care.

Check your engine oil. This is crucial and a “must do” to preserve the life of your engine. If you only learn one car skill learn to check your oil every 200 to 500 miles or have you gas station attendant or garage employee to do it for you. Watch a “how to check your engine oil” instructional video at http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-check-your-cars-oil-level. Google “check engine oil” and watch several for a better understanding.

Although oil is the most important fluid to check often there are a few others like: transmission, antifreeze, brake, power steering and windshield wiper fluid. Let your owner manual be your bible to a well maintained car.

Keep an eye on your tire pressure too. This one can save a bunch on gasoline. Look on the outside of your tire for the recommended pressure. Every month or every 200-500 miles make sure you check your pressure.

To check your tire pressure purchase a hand held tire gauge and keep it in the car. You can’t really trust those gauges at public air machines. Make sure your spare tire is inflated as well. There are step-by-step instructions on michelinman.com if you need help plus tons of information about tires and their care.

Get to a mechanic right away if you hear or smell or feel anything that doesn’t seem normal. Trust your instincts. Symptoms like peculiar sounds, unusual smells, warning lights, slow or shimmying brakes, leaks or steam are all signs of trouble. Don’t wait to get them checked.

Get to know a mechanic in your zip code before you need him. Go to cartalk.com and key in “mechanic files” into the search bar or click here: http://cartalk.com/content/mechx/find.html. Pick from over 16,000 recommended mechanics. You will be less stressed in a time of emergency if you know what to do and where to take your car.

Do your oil, tire pressure, and fluid checks each month when you pay your car payment so you won’t forget. This habit will save you serious money.