We’ve all been stuck with an unexpected repair that’s needed on our car. There are some things you can do to help save some cash and make some smart decisions when that day comes. CBS Money Watch had a recent article with some tips on saving money on car repairs.

First, spend a little cash for regular maintenance. Doing this will help prevent trouble down the road which can cost a fortune. DriverSide says only about 41 percent of car owners follow the manufacturer’s service schedule. DriverSide offers repair estimates, information on your car’s value, advice from mechanics and helps you figure out what may be wrong with your vehicle. Another helpful website is RepairPal. This site gives you repair estimates to help you avoid high prices that those shops might be trying to charge you. I typed in the make and model of my car and it brought up a huge list of any repairs you could think of from brakes to air conditioning. RepairPal showed me an estimated repair price.

Second, don’t get unnecessary oil changes. Some say you need one every 3,000 miles; however, most newer cars can go 5,000 to 10,000 miles between one. Check the owner’s manual for more information.

Third and maybe the most obvious, find an honest repair shop. I usually take the advice of a friend and go to someone that they recommend. Unfortunately, many mechanics and even dealerships will try and charge you more than is needed. A recent study found that dealers charge an average of 30 percent more than independent shops. A great resource is AAA’s website, says CBS Money Watch. You can find shops that are part of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair Network. One piece of advice is to try out a repair shop with an oil change before you let them make repairs. See how they treat you. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau and see if there have been any complaints.

You can also shop around for deals. I’m always checking out our coupon packs that come in the mail for specials on tires, oil changes, brakes etc. Hop on the Internet and look around for local shops who might have some special coupons.