Vehicles that are inappropriately maintained will more than likely incur costly charges when finally taken to an auto repair shop. Considering that your car is an investment, you should take measures to ensure that it is getting the requirements it needs to stay running smoothly. Here are some handy tips you could use to avoid exorbitant charges at your auto repair shop.

Stick to your owner's manual

Some vehicle owners may be tempted to handle small repairs on their own. This is especially common if they have owned an array of cars over the years. However, it is not advisable to undertake any repairs if you do not know exactly what you are doing. Always stick to the maintenance tips that are illustrated in the owner's manual. If you do not have an owner's manual, then it is best to take it to a professional auto repair shop rather than run the risk of aggravating what could potentially start out as a small problem. This can only lead to you paying more to fix the additional damage you have caused.

Regular fluid changes

Your car needs a host of fluids to run appropriately. Neglecting to change these fluids as recommended by the manufacturer is running the risk of experiencing unnecessary car trouble. You may believe you are saving some money by going longer between fluid changes. However, the truth is you are making the car work harder to perform as expected. This essentially puts it at risk of breaking down, hence increased costs at your auto repair shop. To be on the safe side, change the oils and filters as indicated in the owner's manual.

Proper inflation of tires

Improperly inflated tires are not just a danger on the roads, but they also affect the functionality of your vehicle. If your tires are improperly inflated, they have a higher risk of bursting on the roads due to increased wear and tear. The good news is tire inflation does not cost a thing so this is something you can do to keep your car maintained and not have to pay regular maintenance fees to do it.

Switch to synthetic oil

Synthetic oil is a good alternative to regular motor oil, especially if you drive in an urban environment. For one, it works to cleanse your engine so you do not have to worry about a lot of maintenance for it. In addition, synthetic oil enhances your car's performance in all types of weather, meaning you do not have to consider changing your motor oil when the seasons change.

To learn more, contact an auto repair shop like Express Tune & Lube.