For about a decade now, I've been working as a consultant for auto repair shops. To me, a professional should be able to tell if a car has been wrecked or broken, if it has had previous body work done, and how much it is worth by using his senses of sight, kindness, and life-long experiences. The top priority is to maximize readers and customers' benefit while keeping costs to a minimum. There are many moving parts, so if you're not up to snuff on mechanics, it's best to hire one, no doubt. Still, there are a few basics that any car owner or driver can accomplish without breaking the bank, such as inspecting the vehicle's fluids, headlights, sunroof, tires, etc. Thus, besides countless handy and easy DYI measures, my recommendations may make sense in pressing conditions and keep you safe on the go.