In order to avoid minor problems turning into major catastrophes, learn basic prevention and maintenance for your car.

No one enjoys paying a hefty maintenance bill at the garage, so take some steps to avoid having to do so with some regular attention to your car. Taking the time out, once a week, to ensure all things are ticking properly under the bonnet and looking after the exterior will pay off in both the long and short-term.

Start from the outside in. Wash your car regularly to avoid erosion to the paintwork and rust to the body. Removing dirt from areas that have high accumulation, like under bumpers and wheel arches, will protect against moisture retaining in those areas, thus lessening your chances of corrosion.

You should use a high quality polish after a thorough washing, about four times a year. Good quality polish lasts for as long as the periods of time between fresh coatings, so you shouldn’t hold back on this step in particular. Make sure the undercarriage is rust-proofed as well, as it doesn't take long for corrosion to lead to something even more serious, like malfunctioning brakes. Take this time to examine the full exterior of your car, looking for deep or small scratches so that they can be repaired immediately. There are products made specifically for remedying either situation, which can be purchased at a supplier.

Engines are another costly item when not maintained regularly. You should check the engine oil periodically if the car is new, once a week if over ten years old. When looking at the dipstick, your oil should be brown but still translucent; if it's black and opaque, the oil should be changed as soon as possible. Also, if the oil is at or below the marked level, you should add enough to be sufficiently above the mark again, adding small amounts at a time and checking the level afterwards. Engine oil should be changed every 6,000 miles, but more often would be better. Make sure to check for oil leaks after a change to verify that the oil filter was replaced correctly. Whilst under the hood, you should also check your coolant and windshield washer levels are up to par as well.

Taking initiative and upholding your responsibility in taking care of your car should not only help with bills after a visit to the garage, but lessen the likelihood of visiting the garage for any further complications.

The article Car Care: Keep Your Auto Fit originally appeared on 999 Today