Oct 6, 2008 7:01 pm US/Eastern
Delaying Car Maintenance Can Cost You More
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Many of us have given up some of the little luxuries in life because of rising prices. Now some consumers are cutting back in critical areas that could present troubling consequences down the road.
When Tonya Raines needed new tires for her SUV, she was surprised that it was going to cost her $500. "I just go two because the cost was so high."
That might save her money in the short term, but it comes at a cost. "Tires that are starting to wear out just aren't going to have the traction, so you're much more likely to slide," said John Nielsen with AAA.
With the rising cost of everything from groceries to gas, some people are now deferring car maintenance until it becomes a crisis. "You're just seeing a lot of situations where consumers are putting off until the next paycheck, the next month, the next six months, the next year," said Roy Littlefield of the Tire Industry Association.
Ignoring maintenance can create safety issues for your family and cost you more in the end. "If you delay maintenance, what could have been a $5 maintenance item can result in $500 worth of damage, or $5,000 worth of damage," said Nielsen.
For example, putting off an oil change can lead to engine trouble. If you are not comfortable looking under the hood yourself, ask a professional to check your belts. Nielsen says to look for belts that are shiny or cracked, as that is a sign they need to be replaced.
Do It Yourself: Oil ChangeDo It Yourself: Spark PlugsEven something as basic as your wipers can present problems if they are past their prime. "As the blade wears, it can actually start to lay over, allowing the metal part of the blade that you see here to come in contact with the glass and scratch the glass."
Do It Yourself: Wiper ReplacementAnd when it comes to those tires, you can try this simple test according to Littlefield. "If you can put a penny in the tire and see the forehead, then you know that there's not enough tread."
Do It Yourself: Tire ChangingDo It Yourself: Reading Tire AlignmentRecommended maintenance schedules vary from car to car. So be sure to check your owner's manual.
More: Do It Yourself Car Repairs & Maintenance
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