Thankfully many of these car maintenance schedule tasks can be performed by you, saving you potentially thousands of dollars in mechanic bills every year.

Some things which are on the car maintenance schedule include:

Oil and oil filter changes – This should be done every 3000 miles. Do it more often if you drive in heavy traffic (this puts more stress on the engine).

Spark plugs – should be changed once per year. If you use platinum spark plugs, you can change them every 60,000 or once per year, which ever comes first (not many people drive 60k miles in a year). Platinum plugs cost a little more but are better quality. Take note however that not all cars like platinum plugs so check with your manufacturer or car manual. Often a rough or temperamental car will have foul spark plugs so these should be one of the first things you check if your car is playing up.

Air filter – Should also be changed once per year. This is a very cheap item and is easy to change. Can do wonders for the running of your car.

Timing belt – Change this every 60,000 miles or according to manufacturer's specifications. This is VERY important or else you can lose your engine completely if the timing belt breaks. I like to do mine every 50,000 miles to be on the safe side.

Tire rotation/replacement – Rotate your tires every 6 months. They should be rotated from front to rear and also inside out if possible. Replace tires every 2-3 years depending on wear and usage.

These are just some of the car maintenance schedule tasks which are vital for the healthy running and longevity of your vehicle.

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When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don't ignore its warning signals. If something doesn't feel quite right, get your car checked out.

The following tips should help you along the way:

"Preventative Medicine"

Follow the recommended service schedules.

Keep a log of all repairs and service.

Check your car for:

* unusual sounds

* odors

* drips

* leaks

* smoke

* warning lights

* changes in acceleration

* changes in engine performance

* changes in gas mileage

* changes in fluid levels

* worn tires, belts, hoses.

* difficulty in handling, braking, steering

* unusual vibrations

When there is a problem…

* Write the information/symptoms down to give to your repairman.

* When did the problem first start?

* Exactly when does the problem occur?

* Is it constant or does it occur now and again?

* Does the problem happen when the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?

* Is the problem noticeable when you accelerate? When you brake?

* At all speeds? When shifting?

Remember to let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy, even if you think you already know what the problem is. Plus, it's important not to demand an on-the-spot diagnosis. The technician needs to thoroughly examine the vehicle before knowing what's really going on.

Stay involved. And don't be shy about asking as many questions as you need to understand the problem. Mechanical terminology can be confusing to the layperson.

Ask for simple definitions of technical terms you're not familiar with.

It's hard to be patient, as most of us feel completely incapacitated without our vehicles. Make sure you ask to be called and informed of the problem, recommended action, and costs BEFORE work begins.

Before you leave, ask about labor rates, guarantees, and what methods of payment are acceptable.

Leave a telephone number where you can be called.

The information you share with your auto technician will enable him to more easily locate the problem, diagnose it, and repair any damage. Then you and your car will be on the road again!

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We will start with the timing belt. Not every car has a timing belt, some have a timing chain which does not need to be changed. A timing belt on the other hand is basically a rubber belt which controls the timing and motion of your entire engine. It is little wonder then that this eventually wears out and must be replaced. The bad news is that it's a long, tedious task due the number of parts which rely on the timing belt. In most cases, the engine must be almost completely pulled apart to replace the timing belt. Each car will have a different timing belt maintenance schedule; however the average is to change it at around every 60,000 miles or 100,000 km. It is very important that you adhere to this routine as a snapped timing belt can spell the end of your engine.

It is not recommended to change your timing belt yourself; however this car maintenance tip is vital so I felt I should mention it here.

Obviously one of the biggest car maintenance tips involves changing the engine oil. This should be done every 3000 miles or so (5000 km). Changing the oil stops the engine from getting sludgy. When this happens the parts will not fluidly work together, which can cause a whole stack of problems. Oil changes can be done yourself and generally cost no more than $20 for the oil. You will want to change the oil filter every second oil change as well. These can be bought for around $15 or less, depending on your type of car.

Tires are another important car maintenance tip. Your tires should be regularly inspected for wear and punctures. Tires should be replaced every 2-3 years, depending on tire type and what sort of surfaces you drive on.

These are just a few car maintenance tips which hopefully will help you to keep your car in safe and perfect condition!

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The best thing to do in this instance (especially if you aren't sure of the past service history) is to perform a full service when you first buy the car, and then adhere to regular basic car maintenance after that. This will ensure you prolong the life of your older used vehicle.

Basic car maintenance covers tasks such as oil services, coolant flushing, spark plug changes, timing belt changes, transmission fluid flushes and changes, tire rotation and replacement and a number of other tasks including interior and exterior care.

If you treat your car well then it is much more likely to have a long life, which of course will cost you less money in the end. All cars will eventually break down and need major components replaced. This is unavoidable. However you can prolong these incidents by simply adhering to manufacturers guidelines for services and basic car maintenance.

An oil change needs to be done around every 3k miles. This is your number one priority as a car with dirty or sludgy oil will be a very sick car in a short amount of time. If you are looking at used cars and pull the dipstick out only to reveal dirty or thick gluggly oil then chances are that this owner has not taken care of his car.

Because you can't see into the engine, you can't assume that the engine is ok even if the car is running fine. It is very likely that there is residue and build up in the engine due to this bad oil. I would never purchase a used car which has bad oil because I know that if the owner has not bothered changing the oil regularly, then he probably hasn't performed other more complex basic car maintenance on the vehicle. This can only spell trouble for me down the track.

Basic car maintenance need not be complicated. You can certainly pay your mechanic to maintain your car, but it's a good idea to learn some things yourself so you can save money.

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Bigger cars obviously use more fuel, that's a given. However that is something that owners are, or should be, aware of well before deciding on a large car or SUV purchase.

Apart from fuel costs, is there really a huge difference in car maintenance costs across different types and models of cars?

Well, some car manufacturers simply charge more for replacement parts. That's where a lot of the car maintenance cost comes in. Fortunately there are many third party parts providers, however this will not apply to all cars. And often it's much better to buy from the manufacturer as they know exactly how each part fits to the car.

European cars are renowned for being well made, but also quite expensive to maintain. Car maintenance costs for European cars such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes and exotic models will far exceed the cost of parts and dealer service charges for models such as a Toyota, Ford or Nissan.

This is simply due to the European models being known as luxury cars and therefore commanding not only a higher upfront price, but also a higher parts price. You should keep this in mind when purchasing a European car.

With all that said car maintenance costs can be minimized simply by adhering to basic maintenance principles and schedules. If you look after your car, your car will look after you by not playing up too often. It will also last longer, use less fuel and generally cost you less in the long run. All you need to do is perform regular oil changes, coolant flushes, fluid changes, spark plug checks and other basic tasks.

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Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. I stay in touch with homeschooling families. They're often part of a larger group that can share recommendations for mechanics they've felt were honest and reputable.

Check with your local Better Business Bureau regarding the reputation of a particular body shop. Ask about the number of complaints, if there were any, and how the complaints were resolved. Don't be too anxious if there were some complaints. No one pleases everybody, and there are some people you can't satisfy no matter what. But if you see a pattern of the same kinds of problems, beware.

Next, pay a visit to the shop and ask if they handle your vehicle make and model. Check to see how long they've been in business. What kind of feel do you get about the place? Are you treated with courtesy? Does the staff behave professionally?

You don't need to "white glove test" the place, but it should be neat, and organized. Also, times are a'changin', and modern equipment is an absolute must.

Sometimes, vehicle manufacturers recommend specific repair procedures and tools for the repair of their vehicles. Ask if the shop is trained in these procedures and has the necessary equipment.

Are there any civic and community service awards hanging on the walls? It's a nice touch. Do you see diplomas or certificates of competence? You want a technically competent staff.

Look around the place. What kinds of vehicles seem to be in the repair stage? Does everything look like it's being handled professionally? Don't be shy about talking to folks in the waiting room to see they've tried the shop before and how pleased they are with the service they've received in the past.

My number one suggestion is to ask around and see where others have had satisfactory car repair work done. Even if you're feeling stressed and in a hurry, ask at least 15 people. That way, you're likely to get the same place mentioned more than once. A little time spent on the basics can save you a load of trouble in the long run. And once you find mechanic you trust, your car's future looks a lot brighter.

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All new cars come with car maintenance schedules that are set by the manufacturer and which must be adhered to in order to keep the various warranties in force. These required car maintenance schedules are usually set on a time and/or milage basis and the required car maintenance must be done by a certified mechanic who is recognized by the manufacturer in order to avoid any trouble getting the car's manufacturer to live up to the warranties that come with the car in case of any problems.

But if the required car maintenance tasks are handled on time and correctly, you should have no trouble with your new car. New cars are being made more reliable all the time and the need for in dealership car maintenance in order to keep it running trouble free is becoming less all the time. but the need for some basic car maintenance to keep your car running and operating safely is always there.

Basic car maintenance to keep your car running reliably and safely means checking a few things regularly and attending to them when they need adjustment. Basic car maintenance would include checking the engine oil level frequently and adding the grade and wight oil specified by the manufacturer if oil needs to be added. Basic car maintenance would have you checking the other fluid levels in the car on a regular basis. This car maintenance would include checking the brake fluid, transmission fluid and the engine coolant, as well as keeping the windshield washer fluid reservoir container full. basic car maintenance would require that you top of any of these fluids if they should require it. You shouldn't need to change your brake fluid or transmission fluid unless there is some problem, but proper car maintenance would dictate that you change your oil once every three thousand miles and change your engine coolant at least twice a year.

Proper car maintenance would have you getting your coolant system flushed and refilled in late Spring and late Autumn. And remember that routine car maintenance also means periodically checking your tire air pressure and adding air if your tires become low. But don't overfill your tires as they won't perform or wear as well. With proper car maintenance, you should be able to have a long and happy relationship with your car.

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Make it a point to schedule into your calendar a winter booster check for your car. Keep these tips in mind for your winter travel, and you'll have a safer winter travel season all around!

A gas tank which is kept filled helps keep moisture from forming. Make it a habit to go ahead and fill up when your tank is half empty.

Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or so if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips. Personally, I'd change my oil every 2000 miles, regardless. It will save you loads of trouble in the long run. Go ahead. Schedule it into the planner.

Wiper blades are one of those things we usually never think about until we need them, and they're not working! Have you ever tried driving in sleet and snow with impaired visibility, thanks to dud wipers? Talk about nerve-wracking! Go ahead and replace old wiper blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent. You'll be surprised how much you use. And, of course, carry an ice-scraper. I keep one in the car, and one in the house – just in case my doors freeze and I can't open them immediately.

Make sure your heater and defroster are in good working condition.

Worn tires don't help any time of year, least of all in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. It's a good idea to check tire pressures once a month. Let the tires "cool down" before checking the pressure. Don't forget to rotate your tires, too!

Make sure you have a spare and that the jack is in good condition.

Be prepared for emergencies, even if you live in a warmer climate. A winter emergency list should include gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flash light, and a cell phone. Put a few "high-energy" snacks in your glove box. You can buy survival aids in the camping section of your sporting goods store.

It may take you less than an hour to get your car checked for winter and prepare for any emergency. That's time well spent and it can save you a giant headache this winter season!

Indeed, it could even save your life and the lives of those you love.

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With 3, 4 or more oil changes per year that's hundreds of dollars in savings. Not to mention all the other little tasks that you can easily do yourself rather than relying on a mechanic.

Of course it would be of benefit if you had some interest in car maintenance before embarking on a do-it-yourself decision. But anyone can do it so don't be afraid to get a little dirty under your car! After all, your wallet will thank you for it.

Basic car maintenance includes things like oil changes, spark plug checks and changes, fluid top-ups and coolant flushes. All of these tasks can be performed by you at home with a minimum amount of simple tools.

For example, all you'll need to complete an oil and oil filter change on your car is:

- A socket/spanner to undo the sump plug
- Oil filter clamp (these are very cheap)
- New Oil
- New filter
- Tray to empty oil in
- Funnel to pour in new oil

That's it! And this task literally takes a few minutes of your time. The oil can take some time to drain, but you need not sit and watch. Just open the sump plug, place a tray under the car and come back once the oil has drained.

Other simple tasks, as mentioned above, include coolant changes and spark plug checks. To check spark plugs you simply unscrew the rocker cover (the main cover on your engine) and purchase a spark plug socket (this is a long socket to reach into the spark plug chamber). Unscrew the spark plug and pull it out. If it looks burnt out or white, then its time for a change. Keep in mind that spark plugs can also indicate other troubles in your car so if your spark plugs look sick or are covered in oil, show a mechanic and he can advise on what may be wrong with your car.

Coolant changes, one of the most important aspects of car maintenance, should be performed around once per year. This stops your car from overheating. You simply undo the hose where it connects to the radiator and let all the coolant drain out. Then do up that hose and fill up with coolant again. Easy!

I hope you now realize the ease and simplicity of do-it-yourself car maintenance.

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After you get recommendations for honest mechanics, call around to check out the prices for certain jobs. It's always smart to get a second opinion.

How about some preventative medicine? Keep your gas tank filled. This will help you avoid the gas line freezing up in cold weather. Also, driving on "fumes" allows little pieces of dirt at the bottom of your gas tank to run through the fuel lines with the last drops of gas. This debris clogs up the fuel filter and can cause carburetor damage as well.

Sometimes a problem with your car's electrical system results from a simple blown fuse. Check to see if you have any blown fuses before investing in a tow truck!

Keep track of how much oil your car uses. A sudden change in oil consumption means you need to see a technician.

Save your brakes by having your brake fluid changed every 30,000 miles.

Check your tire pressure once a month. This simple maintenance check can add up savings at the gas pump!

Stop and go traffic causes excess wear and tear on your vehicle. Go ahead and give your car a nice twenty minute ride at 55 mph on the highway every couple weeks if you "major" in short trips.

There are other ways to save money on car expenses. Let's look at the insurance payments.

If you've budgeted for possible out-of-pocket expenses in case of a car accident, you might want to consider increasing your insurance deductible to $500. This will lower the cost of your insurance.

Talk to your insurance agent. If your car is as old as the hills, you might want to drop collision coverage to save money.

Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. Ask your agent if the company offers reductions for driver training courses, anti-lock brakes, car alarms, air bags, mature drivers, good students or maintaining a good driving record.

Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the dealer's return policy, get it in writing and read it carefully. Dealers are not required by law to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel.

Visit www.fueleconomy.gov to find cars that are fuel efficient.

Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas.

In most cases, using cruise control on the highway will save gas.

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. This isn't going to cost you an arm or leg either.

Do your homework when buying a car from an auction. Many vehicles that have been damaged by floods and hurricanes are going on the market. These won't last long – leaving you with a flood of bills. Be a little concerned if the carpet looks too new, and check carefully for signs of rust.

Carfax.com shares info on inspecting a used car to make sure you get the best deal.

If you use your car for business, keep track of miles traveled so that you can use this for a tax deduction. Get more info at irs.gov.

When you consider all the ways you can save money on your current vehicle, you might be persuaded to put away the extra each month for a new car down the road!

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