On average, car owners spend well over $1,000 a year on maintenance and repairs. If a car is not properly cared for, it will become very unreliable. This lack of reliability can rob you of your ability to take long trips without breaking down on the side of the road.

Rather than allowing your vehicle to fall into a state of disrepair, you have to work on providing it with the proper amount of maintenance. Here are a couple of things you can do to avoid serious auto repair issues.

Keep an Eye on Your Engine Coolant

Overheating can severely damage the internal components of a car engine. Without coolant, components like the cylinder heads might crack. Fixing this problem can be extremely expensive, which is why your main goal needs to be preventing engine overheating. The best way to accomplish this goal is by checking engine coolant levels on a routine basis.

Most vehicles have a coolant reservoir and a radiator where this coolant is located. If you start to notice that engine coolant levels are getting lower each time you check them, you need to take action. With the help of an auto repair Lynnwood professional, you can diagnose and fix coolant leaks quickly. The faster you are able to fix these leaks, the easier it will be to avoid serious damage to your engine.

Routine Oil Changes Are a Must

Your car engine also needs the right amount of oil to stay functional. This oil is designed to lubricate the various moving parts contained in your engine. Over time, the oil in your engine will become sludgy and thick, which is why having it changed is important. By consulting with an experienced mechanic, you can figure out exactly how long you can go between oil changes.

By following the tips in this article, you can keep your car running efficiently for years to come.