Is your automobile worth repairing? Buying or leasing a replacement automobile can be quite expensive, particularly if you have to put money down, but repairing a 10 year-old clunker may be similarly financially inefficient. Let's examine some basic auto repair markers, so you can make an informed decision.

You should check your brake system regularly. Don't just look at the shoes, the pads, and the liners--check out the entire brake system, including fluids, hoses, and lines. If you have corruption in any part of the system, it could cost you thousands of dollars to correct the damage.

Your steering and suspension require regular maintenance. Off-balance struts or worn shocks can lead to damage which spreads to other car components. Look at your boots, mounting brackets, side joints, and wheel drives. You can repair and/or replace any of these worn parts, but if you fail to fix basic problems with the steering and suspension, you'll end up throwing money down the drain.

Check your transmission. You can perform compression tests to ensure that your engine delivers even pressure to its cylinders. If your compression is too low or spotty, you could end up with long term engine problems. Keep your transmission fluid filled and filtered, and talk with a mechanic about the potential problems of your make and model vehicle. Finally, look at the car as a whole system. Is there rust and corrosion on significant portions of the body? Is the chassis worn out due to accidents, winter conditions, and general road use? Make a list of all your big picture costs, and then work backwards to develop a budget for auto repair or replacement.