One of the first things my father taught me about cars was this: they are expenditures, not investments. The moment you buy one, their value immediately goes down. You can never sell a car the same price you bought it, after all.

That’s why it’s important to keep your car in good condition so you can maximize the time you use it. Keep a car for at least 10 years, that’s my dad’s motto.

What can you do to keep your car in good condition for a long period of time? Here’s how you can turn your expenditure into something worthwhile.

1. Engine Checks

Go for a regular engine check to see if everything is okay under the hood. This won’t take long and you can have it done at any gasoline station.

2. Oil Change

Change your oil at least twice a year. A lot of problems, including excessive carbon emission springs from having dirty oil.

3. Smog Check

Finally, get a smog check annually. This will ensure that your car is not a hazard to the environment. Plus, passing a smog check means that everything is running well. Good luck!

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You may know nothing about auto repairs but this does not mean that you can be easily scammed by mechanics and technicians who may only after your money. Even if you may not know what an alternator is, you can still be able to tell if you are given a fair estimate or not. Here are some tips on how to achieve this:

• Find out what repairs should be made to your car. Let the mechanic do his own diagnosis of the problem.

• If some parts have to be replaced, then learn the cost of replacing these parts. If the parts needed are original equipment / parts made by the car manufacturer, then you have to make sure that you do not pay more than the manufacturer’s recommended price. Take note that you can save money by using used parts instead since they have a wider price range.

• Make sure that you understand what the mechanic plans to do to your car. If you only want a routine maintenance job, that is what you should get. You do not need to deal with tire rotation or oil changes when they are not necessary.

• When you get the bill make sure to check it out. Miscellaneous items may be used to cover the rags that have been used on your engine or fees for hazardous waste but they can also be used to add a few extra dollars to the total charge.

• If there is something in the bill that you do not understand – whether it is in small print or illegible hand writing or techno terms and services that you do not know existed – then ask questions and clear things up.

The best way to avoid being scammed or cheated out of your well earned money is to make sure that you are dealing with an honest and good mechanic. Ask your family or friends if they have any recommendations. And if you have an eligible candidate, do a background check by checking with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints filed against this mechanic or auto repair shop.