Auto repairs can place a strain on your wallet, but keeping up with routine maintenance checkups can help minimize future problems. You can save even more money by doing a few periodic checkups yourself. If doing your own maintenance checks seems intimidating, rest assured you don’t have to be mechanically inclined to learn the basics of your vehicle.

The Basics. If you haven’t already, read and understand your car’s owner’s manual. This can help you become more familiar with your car’s features and components, including where they are all located. Your owner’s manual should also feature details about the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle, including suggested oil and fluid types.

Stay Alert. Paying attention to your car and your surroundings while driving can help prolong its life. Remember that aggressive driving, hard stopping and riding the brakes or clutch can cause unnecessary wear and tear. Avoiding potholes and road debris might help you save money on suspension problems or potential flat tires. Also, be mindful of changes in the way your car sounds or handles.

Check Your Fluids. Don’t rely on your car’s computerized alert system to let you know when something isn’t right. Take note of where your car’s oil and temperature gauges normally run. Even if the dipstick to check the oil has been replaced in your car with an electronic gauge, you should know how to check it. If you don’t know how to check your transmission fluid or antifreeze, use YouTube to find a tutorial or video.

Conduct a DIY Inspection. In addition to checking your fluids, give your car a once-over periodically to catch anything that may look different or suspicious.

• Test the headlights, brake lights and turn signals.
• Open your hood and look for any cracks, punctures or frays on the hoses or belts.
• Make sure your battery and cables are securely attached. Keep a tire gauge handy so you can inspect your tire pressure.
• Replace wiper blades every year. It might be necessary to replace them more frequently if you live in a harsh winter climate.

Hire A Professional. Although most routine checkups can be done easily and are helpful, a time will come when expert advice or repair work is needed. Here are a few suggestions from Consumer Reports that could help you save money:

• Be sure to describe the problems in detail that you have been experiencing with your car. Give your mechanic as much information as you can. If you can’t explain the problem, take a test drive with your mechanic so he/she can see or hear it for themselves. Don’t tell the mechanic what you think the problem is. Let him/her do their own troubleshooting. You don't want to pay for your suggestions if they are not the solution.
• Ask for a written estimate. If the repair ends up costing more than what was estimated, make sure the station knows to contact you for your approval.