Maintenance & repairs: avoid overcharges.(CR Money)

These days, new car models seem to come right out of a "Star Wars" movie. Computers may control or monitor dozens of systems, including the brakes, the engine, and sometimes even the tire pressure.

But that doesn't mean that every foray into the shop for maintenance or repairs has to cost you an astronomical sum. The secret to saving money is knowing what the owner's manual says needs checking, when to use a dealer, and when to consider an independent mechanic.

CHECKUPS: CUTTING COSTS

You don't need a dealer. For maintenance, there's no reason you must rely on a dealership, which might charge more than an independent shop. It rarely takes a lot of special equipment and know-how to change the oil or flush a cooling system. Federal law gives you the right to service your vehicle wherever you like without affecting your warranty.

Specify needed services. Use your owner's manual to determine which services need to be performed at specific mileage intervals. Then tell the shop those services you want performed. Don't be swayed by the extras that a shop might want to throw in, padding the bill. Avoid using terms such as "tune -up." You'll only invite a quote for an expensive package.

Blindly following a dealer's recommendations can be a big mistake. That's what Linda Minucci of West Islip, N.Y., discovered when a Nissan dealer advised her to change the timing belt as part of the 60,000-mile service on her 2000 Pathfinder. Minucci balked at spending the $429 after noticing that the owner's manual recommended replacing the belt at 105,000 miles.

"Am I supposed to listen to them or am I supposed to listen to my service manual?" she asked, noting that many people probably don't think to check the manual. The dealer told Minucci that her manual is incorrect. Nissan told us the manual is accurate.