We've all heard about checking the oil, and it's pretty obvious when you need new wipers, but many people don't think about maintenance when their vehicles reach milestones. This lack of knowledge can lead to serious situations such as premature failure or even catastrophic engine failure. It could also mean you're more likely to get taken advantage of by mechanics.

We've put together some tips to jump start your learning about car maintenance issues:

• Use your manual: All vehicles should be purchased with a booklet specific to them, and these booklets contain the maker's recommendations for servicing your vehicle. A lot of drivers don't think that these recommendations can vary substantially, so they end up trusting what potentially unscrupulous dealers say about the maintenance their vehicle requires. We keep track of the correct specs for every vehicle we work on at Christian Brothers Automotive in Tulsa, but you can't blindly believe all mechanics. If you do, you could spend thousands more than you should.
• List all your services: If you kept track of every service appointment and repair, you can avoid this situation easily. You can use a list to track oil changes and other maintenances on your vehicle. you can also track work including transmission flushes, windshield wipers, belt and hose replacements and more with this simple list. Tracking fuel and dipstick checks can help you track performance and will let you spot any problems early on.
• Write up a checklist: Forgetting about car maintenance is easy to do, but a good method for getting it all done is to make a list of everything your vehicle will ever need right when you drive it home. Then, you can check off each item as your auto reaches the various milestones. If handwritten lists aren't your thing, look for digital solutions.
• Don't forget car washes: Looking good is not the same as working properly a lot of the time, but keeping your vehicle nice and tidy from roof to bumper to undercarriage is an important upkeep. If you don't regularly visit the car wash, the dirt will harm your paint and undercarriage.