Unless you already work at your local auto repair shop, you probably don’t know the tell-tale signs of a failing automobile. Whether it’s the engine, timing belts, or any other important part of your car, proper maintenance is key in saving money and prolonging the lifespan of your vehicle.

Make sure you’re visiting the experts at your local auto repair shop whenever you feel like something could be wrong with your vehicle. They are trained experts who can answer all of your auto repair questions and get you back on the road in no time. Here are three of the many things that can go wrong on your car that require immediate service:

Engine. Any time your check engine light comes on, you need to make a trip to your local auto repair shop as soon as possible. Here’s a disturbing statistic: About 10% of all drivers have their check engine light on right now, and about half of these drivers ignore the light for more than three months. You simply can’t afford to let your engine go unchecked for an extended period of time. There’s a reason the check engine light is there, and the longer you ignore it, the more damage you do to your vehicle.

Timing belts. Since you don’t have the time (or desire) to learn all about timing belts, let your local auto repair service do the dirty work for you. Timing belts synchronize the rotation of the crankshaft so that the engine’s valves open and close during each cylinder’s intake and exhaust strokes. Sound confusing? It is. According to the Car Care Council, timing belts are typically replaced between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. If you fail to have them replaced, they can snap unexpectedly, causing massive damage and ruining your engine.

Gas caps. Here’s a perfect example of a “small car problem” that can cost you a lot more money than you may think. Loose, missing, or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate annually. That is money floating directly out of your wallet into thin air. Replacing a gas cap is an inexpensive fix that can lead to thousands of dollars in lost gasoline over time. It’s a small problem that gets exponentially worse the longer you choose to ignore it.

Find an auto maintenance and repair shop in your area that offers all these great services and more. Besides your home, your car is most likely the biggest investment in your life, and seeking proper maintenance is the first step in protecting that investment.