We can all benefit from a good lesson in Do-It-Yourself car repairs. While some of us are blessed with mechanically-inclined family members, the majority of drivers aren’t so lucky. However, we now live in the age of the internet, on the crest of the DIY wave, and there are always new articles being published that can be a great resource for those of us learning the tricks of the trade.

One of the best ways to save money on car repairs is to learn how to perform most of your vehicle’s routine maintenance. This simple article from bargainbabe.com covers the basics of car maintenance, including how to change your car’s oil, air filter, spark plugs, brake pads, and even where to get cheap tools. This article from lifehacker is also a great source for beginners. It covers a few common and relatively-easy car repairs, while also guiding us newbies through the basics of engine knowledge, including learning resources, required tools and even a vocabulary list.

However, keep in mind that not all cars are created equal. Some engines are nice and easy to fix, while others require the skills of a contortionist just to change the oil filter. Also, if you can’t do the job right, then you probably shouldn’t do it all. Sometimes there just isn’t an easy fix, sometimes you will have to bite the bullet and take the vehicle to the mechanic to prevent even more costly damage.