Editor’s note: The Jewish Link’s monthly Auto Link section is committed to helping our readers learn more about cars. But where do we even begin? In this new column by car enthusiast and entrepreneur Eric Samson, “Back to Basics” will cover some key topics of car ownership and how to manage any challenges you may face with your vehicle.

In the United States, 91% of households own at least one car, according to the Census Bureau. So if you fall in this category, and chances are high that you do, you may have to reckon with the variety of challenges that come with car ownership. This “Back to Basics” column will hopefully answer many questions you may have. Perhaps you’ve thought about these topics but haven’t done the research yet, or maybe you learned the answer years ago and have since forgotten. Either way, I’m here to help.

When it comes to having a car, you might be wrestling with whether to lease or buy, and if so, you may not know what kind of car you want. Should you get it new or used? Gas or electric? Is this the time to splurge on a classic car you’ve always wanted? Are you the kind of person who wants to drive a sports car?

If you already have a car you love, you might want to learn more about how to care for it properly. What should the maintenance look like during each season? Should you splurge on premium gas? Can you detail your own car? And when it comes to safety, there are plenty of other questions, like do you know how to do basic roadside repair?

I’m here to answer these questions and more in this monthly column, and hopefully help you become a more conscious car owner along the way. If you have any questions for me, please email [email protected].