It’s happened to all of us. We get in our cars, turn the key – and nothing happens. Or something does happen – something really awful sounding, but not at all what we expected. All car noises (or lack thereof) do not indicate a major problem so vehicle owners shouldn’t panic just yet. There are a few easy troubleshooters that vehicle owners can do themselves that will point them to simple problems with their vehicles that are easily – and inexpensively – fixed. Here are some of the ways to troubleshoot your vehicle’s starting system.

Changing the oil in your car can be a smooth, simple process with good preparation and attention to the job. Before you even begin, make sure that you have everything you need: proper type of oil and the right amount, oil filter, air filter and the proper size of wrench to take off the oil pan bolt. It is also recommended to have a tarp to put under the vehicle. Any oil that drips onto the ground and can seep in. This is neither safe for any pets you have or for the environment, so the tarp will keep any spills contained. You will also need a container to catch the oil from the engine, preferably a larger bucket or bowl. Wearing long sleeved shirt, pants and gloves will help you stay clear of any spills as well. A funnel for the oil will top off your supplies.

If you are looking for maintenance tips to keep your car battery running like new, then you have come to the right place. Of all of the parts of your car, the battery is the one thing that probably gets the least attention. You replace it if it ever dies and you worry about it only when you go to crank up the car and you hear that angry clicking noise. The simple fact is that there are lots of things you can do to make sure your battery runs like new all throughout the year. This can help to conserve battery life and it can save you money and time over the long run.

Many automobile owners think that wheel misalignment only causes pulling of the vehicle to one side or the other during driving. But more than just steering is affected when the wheels need to be adjusted and the car’s ride is only symptomatic of bigger problems that can be caused by this imbalance over time. When car wheels are not properly aligned, engine performance, tire wear, smoothness of the ride, and lifetime of varied components can all be adversely affected.

We try to keep our cars in the best shape we can; after all, who wants a dead car on a freezing winter morning while you’re already late for an important meeting? We clean it, we love it, and sometimes we even give the car a name, much to the chagrin of family and friends. But despite all the work and care, life tends to happen when you can least afford it. Let’s say you left the car in a parking lot to go shopping, and by the time you came back there was a rather noticeable dent on its exterior. What to do? There isn’t anything in the budget to take it to a mechanic, and you can’t just leave it like that. Before panicking, keep in mind that this is something that you can fix yourself.