Car Maintenance Important To Prevent High Repair Costs

With the economy down and money tight people are looking for ways to save cash anywhere they can.

But there are some places where you should not cut corners.

With the high costs of a new car, more people are holding onto older models longer and doing the minor repairs.

But drivers are neglecting their regular maintenance, meaning bigger repairs and bigger costs are starting to pile up.

Local automotive shops said if all you can afford is routine maintenance, then that?s fine. At least that will help your car last until you can save up to get the repairs you need.

“Their bare minimum should be at least keeping the oil changed on a regular basis, checking the inflation on their tires (and) keeping an eye on their breaks. Basic maintenance still needs to be done at this point,? Scott Mackay with Fred and Wayne?s said.

?Heavy on the oil changes because usually when the oil changes are done the lube guys will find some other problems may occur like belts, hoses, leaks some other things like that,” Richard Anders of Richard?s Diesel and Auto Repair said.

According to a AAA study, 28 percent of U.S. adult vehicle owners could not afford a $2,000 repair bill. Nearly two in 10 could not pay a $1,000 repair if needed. Half of U.S. adult vehicle owners have opted to keep an older vehicle in the last 12 months because of the cost of a new one.