Cars are a necessity for most people- they are used to get to work, take kids to school, and run essential errands. So when your car is not running properly, it can be a major inconvenience for you and your family. Many people dread having to get their car fixed, because they dread getting the high bill for parts and labor.

But you can save money on your car repairs by using the following tips:

Keep Up on Preventative Maintenance

One of the easiest ways to save money on repairs is to prevent them by keeping up with the preventative maintenance that your vehicle needs. A well maintained car runs better, and parts tend to last longer when they are taken care of. Every car is different when it comes to maintenance, so your best bet is to review your vehicle's owners manual and follow the maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer.

Buy a Code Reader

Indicator lights are the bane of any car owner's existence. Does that "check engine" light indicate a major problem with the engine, or is you gas cap loose and causing your vehicle to register an error code? Code readers are usually inexpensive to purchase online or at an auto parts store, and they can help you diagnose the problem with your vehicle before even taking it to a mechanic. Purchasing a code reader can also help you rest assured that the repairs that you are being quoted for are the correct repairs.

Purchase Your Own Parts

Having to replace parts in your vehicle can increase your repair bill substantially. If you have money to burn, you can have the repair shop purchase expensive original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, but most people want to save money when a repair is needed. One of the best ways to save money is to purchase aftermarket auto parts yourself, and then pay a mechanic to make the repairs needed. Aftermarket parts are a lot less expensive than OEM parts, but in the majority of cases they work just as well. Cutting out the middleman at the dealership service center or a local auto repair shop by sourcing your own parts can leave extra money in your pocket when fixing your car.

Learn How to Make Some Easy Repairs Yourself

Mechanics undergo extensive training to learn how to service automobiles, but there are a number of things that you can learn to do yourself if you want to save money taking care of your car. Some tasks, such as changing an air or fuel filter, or replacing your car's spark plugs, can easily be done at home. Knowing how to do these things yourself will save you a lot of cash in the long run.