Zen and the Art of Auto Mechanics

When the economy gets unstable, we do what we can to make ends meet. Taking care of your car can make it run better and make it last longer, too. Regular maintenance also can and will save you money in the long run.

For the past two years, I've had the honor to work in the auto mechanics industry. No, I don't work on cars.  But the guys have taught me a lot of things I never planned to know. For instance, brake cleaner will clean stains off clothing and remove tape residue from glass. But that's beside the point. They also preach the necessity of regular maintenance and fixing your car when the initial problem arises, rather than procrastinating. And they know what they're talking about.

Here's a list of a few maintenance items to stay on top of:

Oil Changes: Generally, you should get oil changes done every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but check your owner's manual for specifications. Also, when buying a new car, keep in mind that upkeep for vehicles requiring full synthetic oil will cost a lot more than regular oil.

Timing Belts: Check the owner's manual to see when they need to be replaced and don't stray much from this recommended mileage for replacement. Make sure to have your mechanic keep an eye on them, too. If one of these breaks, your car will be in a world of hurt. And so will your wallet.

Brakes: Obviously, well-working brakes help keep you and others safe on the road. But there's more to brakes than just pads. If the rotors are worn, they can often be resurfaced if you catch them in time. If not, you have to replace them, greatly increasing the expense.

Scheduled Inspections: Your vehicle needs maintenance repairs at certain points in its lifespan, most likely in 30,000 or 50,000 mile increments. If you don't have your owner's manual, your trusted mechanic can access this information and give you a list of what needs to be done.

Find a mechanic you trust and build a solid relationship with that shop. A great way to do this is to ask around. Don't just think of your mechanic as a grease monkey. Your mechanic is your car's doctor. Also expect that it could take a few days or even a week to get in to a good shop. Think about it: how long do you have to wait to see a good physician, dermatologist, or dentist?