Recent data from AAA suggests that many Americans are avoiding important vehicle maintenance in order to save money, possibly putting themselves at risk for bigger bills in the future.
According to the survey, 25 percent of consumers are unable to afford repair bills of $2,000 or more, with about half of this group saying they wouldn't be able to handle a $1,000 either. In addition, approximately 25 percent say they haven't taken their car in for repairs in more than a year due to tight budgets, reports Automotive News.
"Economic conditions have taken their toll on many Americans, resulting in them neglecting their cars and leaving them at increased risk for very expensive repair bills," said Marshall Doney, AAA vice president. "Many Americans rely on their cars for their livelihood and losing access to them could be financially devastating during an already troubling economic time."
While these types of costs might seem expensive, drivers should always stay up-to-date on their vehicle inspections. In the long run, putting off a repair today can end up costing you a lot more money down the road if a critical part fails. For example, keeping up with brake service and repair can avoid damage to those parts down the line, much like paying attention to tires can help you avoid flats later on.