Just like we take care of ourselves, eat the right things, and try to stay in shape, the same basic concepts apply to our cars. Most of us aren't mechanics and really don't worry about our car as long as it looks good and drives well. But by taking a stroll around your car, kicking the tires and taking 5 minutes every other week or so to check your cars essentials, you will save a lot of time, money and aggravation. It's always painful to have to dig into savings to pay for car repairs and even more difficult lately with how the economy is. Here are a few simple, easy-to-remember tips that you can do yourself.
1. Fluids
Just as we keep hydrated throughout the day, our car needs to have the right type, and quantity of fluids. We simply need to check our car's oil, coolant, and transmission levels. Your owner's manual is the perfect place for just the right information you need to check your levels. Or your mechanic can show you the next time you’re in for a visit.

2. Manage Pressure
Keeping your tires pressure in check is an easy way to improve gas mileage. By keeping a check on your tires you'll also be able to sniff out a potential tire leak, a much less expensive repair vs. buying an entire new tire.

3. Heed Warning Signs
If your car's dashboard lights illuminate, give your mechanic a call. Delaying a repair could trigger irreparable damage to the car and result in a painfully more expensive fix.

4. Be on the Safe Side
Driving smarter and efficiently (driving slower) will naturally save money at the gas pump.
The way you drive has an effect on how long your car and your gas will last. Taking off fast and coming to a stop quickly can be bad on a car and affect the engine, the brakes, fuel consumption and other things.

5. Beautiful Body
While most of us wouldn't be caught in public without a look in the mirror before we go out, the cosmetic appearance of our car is important as well. Simple things such as keeping your car washed, regularly waxed, ensuring dents and dings are taken care of, and you'll better preserve the value of your car as well as prevent long term issues such as rust and fading.

6. Stay Healthy
We all know how important it is to have a great doctor we see for our annual exam, it's important to do the same for your car. Your owner's manual will have a maintenance schedule that you should follow. But another advantage is using the same mechanics on a regular basis, they will be able to make sure you stick to the schedule and take care of things the manual may not include.

What's great about these tips is that it's exactly what we think about when we take care of our own bodies. The best part here is that we can save loads of money by taking these preventative measures.

If you have additional questions or want to locate your local automotive mechanic please to schedule your cars' check-up call us at (602) 863-4948.