For most of us, a car is an investment. It’s our way of working and it’s our way of running errands. In some parts of the country, life without a car can be quite difficult. If you have a vehicle it will be your most expensive purchase. Repair, maintenance, registration and, in some states, annual auto inspections come to mind. We all want to be safe and we all want our cars to last a long time. So what does your car maintenance really look like? It is not as complicated as you might fear.

The most basic maintenance is an oil change. If you have a do-it-yourself project, this is a pretty basic job. If you don’t want to get your hands greasy, luckily it’s fairly inexpensive, but it’s important nonetheless. This must be done every 3,000 miles. If you take it to someone, they will check the spark plugs, air filters, and fluid levels. It might be a good idea to do more frequent oil changes or check the oil level more often if you notice leaks, are driving in heavy slowed traffic, or are towing a trailer.

Your car’s suspension needs attention. You’ll want your vehicle’s struts or shocks to be checked. When you take your car to have its tires rotated, the mechanic will check these things and make sure your car is lined up correctly. Also, if your state requires an annual inspection, you will be asked to have it reviewed. This helps your car handle better. Sometimes a problem can be as simple as low tire pressure. Once you get some air, you may find that your vehicle is like new. When suspension problems occur, they can be dangerous. Car repair often just means regular maintenance.

Keeping up with transmission fluids can help your car shift more smoothly. Replacing a transmission is much more expensive than maintaining your vehicle’s fluids. It is important to keep the brake fluids as well as the brake pads. You can cut down on many expensive repairs by keeping an eye on these fluids.

Auto repair is about safety and protecting your investment. Finding a mechanic to help you keep up with your car repairs is important. Someone who can do quality work when your car fails you, as well as help with maintenance so you don’t often be disappointed.