Keeping your car in good shape is one of the most important aspects of car ownership. Unfortunately, this can also be one of the more expensive issues that come with owning a car. Depending on the type of vehicle you own, how you use it, and the environment in which you use it, keeping your car in good shape can cost you thousands of dollars. 

For the average motorist, this is a huge problem. How can you keep your car well maintained without having to spend a fortune on it?

Keep Your Eye on the Fluids

The fluids in your car play one of the most important roles in terms of ensuring its longevity. Ensuring that your engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid are at the right level and in the right condition can save your hundreds of dollars in the long run.

Many of these fluids help with the lubrication of certain parts of the car. This means that they reduce friction which can otherwise cause a high wear rate, overheating, and other issues that will require you to perform maintenance more frequently.

Keep It Regular

It may seem counterintuitive to perform maintenance regularly when you're trying to keep the costs low; however, the idea behind regularity is that it offers you an opportunity to address small issues before they become major problems.

Take tires as an example. Regular service from tire dealers is key to preventing much larger problems. If you have a tire blowout on the road, you will be paying for the new tire plus a towing service and possibly a new rim for your wheel. 

Pay Attention to Dashboard Lights

Many people will ignore a check engine light until it starts to blink. Whenever this light comes on, it tells you that you should have your car checked out by a mechanic. At this point, the problem might not yet be serious. Waiting until later can be very costly for you.

Nothing Is Supposed to Squeak

Grinding, creaking, and squeaking are all indicators that there is metal-on-metal movement. The systems in vehicles are designed to avoid or to limit this. Therefore, if you can hear these sounds, something is wrong, and it should be addressed as quickly as possible.

Use a Trustworthy Mechanic

Whether it's a simple oil change or a major electrical system repair, you should always use a mechanic that is trustworthy. There are many untrustworthy characters in the car repair industry. Although it might be hard to find one that you can fully trust, a good auto repair shop is always worth the time it will take you to find them. Ensure you work with someone licensed with a long history of satisfied clients.