If you own a car, you know the fear of repair bills. Any time something goes wrong, it could end up costing you a lot. While it is not possible to always avoid major repairs, there are things you can do to keep your expenses as low as possible.

To avoid major expenditures as much as possible, be sure to:

•Properly maintain your vehicle – Many major repairs can be avoided when basic maintenance becomes a way of life. Do keep up with oil changes, lube jobs and tune ups. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

•Do not take chances – It is almost always better to get funny sounds, vibrations or problems checked out right away. A minor problem today could become a big one tomorrow. Find a mechanic you trust and have issues checked out when they arise.

•Get quotes – When something big does break down, do not accept the first quote as the best one. Unless you have a trusted mechanic at your disposal, it is best to shop around and find out what other garages might charge for the repair.

•Weigh your options – When big repairs are necessary, compare the costs associated with the fix versus the anticipated lifespan of a vehicle. It might not make sense to spend thousands on a very old car that has other major issues on the horizon for it.

Repair bills go hand-in-hand with car ownership. Keeping them low, however, is sometimes possible. A lot often depends on how well the vehicle is cared for.