Owning a car is a big convenience, but it also requires time to maintain and repair. While it is inevitable that your vehicle will need repairs as it ages and racks up miles, there are several things that you can do to avoid major repairs, such as needing to replace the engine or transmission. Use the following tips to reduce the risk of needing major auto repairs:

Get a Used Car Inspected

Many people opt to purchase a used vehicle to save money. A used vehicle can be a great purchase if you buy the right car. But not being prepared can leave you with a car that is a money pit and continually needs repairs. If you want to lower the chance of buying a lemon, make sure that you have a used vehicle inspected by an experienced mechanic before you buy it. A mechanic will be able to identify potential problems and let you know if you can expect to drive your used vehicle without any major issues.

Always Follow the Maintenance Schedule

One of the top reasons cars need major repairs is because they are not properly maintained. If you fail to get your oil changed or don't have your transmission serviced regularly, these parts are not going to last as long as they should. Refer to your vehicle's owners manual for a comprehensive maintenance schedule, and make sure that you adhere to it. It is a lot less expensive to do preventative maintenance on a vehicle than to pay for major repairs.

Don't Ignore Warning Lights

When a dashboard light is illuminated, it is in your best interest to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop as soon as possible. Your dashboard lights are designed to alert you of a problem and should never be ignored. Your vehicle may still start and run, but driving with warning lights illuminated is not a good idea. A warning light may turn on to indicate a minor issue that needs to be repaired, but if you continue to drive you can cause a lot more problems that will cost more to fix.

Evaluate Your Driving Style

The way you drive your car can make a big difference in how often you need to make major repairs. If you're constantly slamming on your brakes, don't be surprised if you have to spend a lot of money replacing the brake pads and rotors each year. Likewise, hard acceleration can put more stress on your engine and transmission, leading to more frequent repairs.