Your car is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so naturally you want to save money in as many places as possible. Before you turn to a professional repairman to deal with your car troubles, why not take some time to investigate the problem yourself? Here are some excellent tips for cat troubleshooting and maintenance.

Read the car’s manual
Most of the basic information you need to know about the care and operation of your car can be found in this little book. It has diagrams that demonstrate where the important parts are, as well as instructions on how to perform basic maintenance.

Rotate your tires regularly
It’s important to switch your tires around every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to evenly distribute the wear and tear on them. This will help the car’s suspension as well as increasing the amount of time your tires last.

Consolidate trips
Most of the wear and tear on your car takes place during the first few minutes of your trip. Consolidating your car usage so you’re making as many stops as possible before returning home can help your vehicle last significantly longer.

Check the oil
Check your oil level regularly to make sure that it is topped off. In addition to regular oil changes, just making sure your engine has the correct amount of oil is one of the biggest contributors to a smoothly-functioning car.

Keep a record
Keep an auto log inside your glove box so you can record any unusual occurrences. Knowing what causes a problem before you take it to a mechanic can save you a ton of money in diagnostic fees.