Being prepared can save you time, money, and frustration when it comes to car repairs. Here’s how you can do your research to ensure you’re visiting a reliable workshop:

• Talk to your network: Get recommendations from friends, family, and neighbours who own similar cars.
• Read online reviews: Reviews can be a goldmine of information, especially when you're facing a car emergency. Check online review platforms to see what other customers are saying about a workshop's service quality, expertise, and pricing.
• Observe the workshop: When you arrive, take a look around. A clean and organised workspace with qualified technicians is a good sign. Conversely, a quiet workshop with unfixed vehicles lying around might raise some red flags.
• Check their expertise: Not all workshops specialise in every car make and model. Before heading in, confirm that the workshop has the experience and equipment to handle your specific vehicle.

Bonus Tip: Understanding your car's basic needs goes a long way. Familiarise yourself with your owner's manual to gain insights into common maintenance schedules and potential issues. This knowledge can help you make better decisions when visiting a mechanic.

Car troubles can feel overwhelming, but don't be afraid to speak up! Here are some tips to ensure clear communication with your mechanic:

• Do not be afraid to ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions, especially if you are not well-versed in technical jargon. A good mechanic will be happy to explain things in a way that you can understand.
• Knowledge is power: Having a basic understanding of your car's components and common problems will also help you recognise potential overselling or unnecessary repairs.
• Shop around: If you aren’t in an emergency, it would be wise to get quotes from at least three different workshops, especially for major repairs. Comparing prices can ensure you're getting a fair deal.

Healthy tyres are the cornerstone of safe driving and you can keep yours in tip-top condition with regular maintenance:

• Maintain proper tyre pressure: Check your tyre pressure at least once a month, and more often if you're driving in extreme conditions like hot summers. Proper pressure ensures even wear and tear, maximises fuel efficiency, and improves overall handling.
• Rotate your tyres regularly: Regular tyre rotation (every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres, or more often in severe conditions) helps distribute wear evenly across all four tyres. This extends their lifespan and saves you money in the long run. Always consult your owner's manual for the recommended rotation pattern for your specific vehicle.

The braking system in your car is one of the most important safety features. Thus, it’s important to make sure they’re always in good working order:

• Listen for warning signs: Pay attention to unusual noises while braking, such as screeching or grinding. These sounds might indicate worn brake pads.
• Visually inspect your brakes: Check your brake pads and rotors for signs of wear and tear, and have them replaced if necessary, or when you notice thin pad lining or a groove reaching the wear indicator.
• Replacement intervals: Always consult your owner’s manual for the recommended brake pad replacement interval for your specific model. Typically, brake pads can last anywhere from 30,000 to 35,000 miles (approximately 48,000 to 56,000 kilometres), but this can vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

The engine oil is the lifeblood of your car, so it’s important to change it regularly to prevent premature wear and tear. You can also take note of the following tips to prevent your car engine from needing repairs down the line:

• High-quality oil: Always opt for high-quality oil wherever possible when changing your oil. This ensures optimal performance and protection for your engine. The choice of oil will depend on your car’s model.
• Oil change interval: Likewise, the owner’s manual provides the most accurate oil change interval for your specific car. But if you must know, a general rule of thumb is to change the oil approximately every 5,000 miles (or 8,000 kilometres) for conventional oil. For synthetic oil, this interval could be up to every 12 months, or 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres.

Of course, driving habits and road conditions can also influence how often you need to change your engine oil. If you’re unsure, talk to your mechanic about the best oil change interval for your specific driving habits.

In addition to engine oil, regularly checking your coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid is crucial for a holistic approach to car maintenance:

Consult the owner’s manual: The owner's manual provides the recommended service intervals for checking and potentially changing each fluid. Generally, some fluids like coolant may need changing every 30,000 kilometres or two years. Brake fluid, due to its moisture absorption properties, typically requires more regular inspections or changes.

Check fluid levels: Visually inspect the fluid levels in the designated reservoirs under the hood. Each reservoir will have a "min" and "max" marking, ensuring the fluid level is within the appropriate range. Additionally, look for the fluid's colour and clarity. Fresh fluids are typically clear or have a specific colour depending on the type. Discoloured or cloudy fluids might indicate a need for replacement.

Warning Lights: Some cars have dashboard warning lights for fluid levels. Nonetheless, regular checks are still important even if the lights aren't on (warning lights might only activate when there's a critical issue).

By following these simple tips on your car fluids, you can ensure your car is properly maintained — which helps in its overall performance and longevity. Now, let's move on to our final pro tip: cleaning your air filter!

Oftentimes, cleaning the engine air filters is prioritised less compared to other parts of the car but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it entirely. A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict clean air flow to the engine, which reduces fuel efficiency and overall performance.

These are more things you need to know about your car’s air filter:

Cleaning intervals: Clean your air filters regularly and more often if you drive in dusty or dirty conditions (like unpaved roads or construction zones) common in Singapore.

Replacement vs. cleaning: Consult your owner's manual to see if your air filter is reusable (cleanable) or disposable (requires replacement). Typically, it is recommended that you change air filters every year or every 12,000 miles (~20,000 kilometres).

While on the subject of fuel efficiency, learn how to save money at the pump with our article on 4 tips to save money on fuel.