Times are tough economically for many drivers, and that's causing some to put off maintenance and hold onto their cars for longer, according to a recent survey by AAA.
The poll found that one-quarter of drivers are skipping tune-ups or repairs due to the cost, with more than 50 percent keeping their vehicle for longer than they originally intended. However, AAA says that this ultimately a short-sighted strategy, as it's been proven that regular maintenance and vehicle inspections actually saves drivers money by preventing big repair bills down the line.
"One of the best ways to save money on your car is to make sure you're properly taking care of it," said John Nielsen, AAA National Director of auto repair and consumer information. "Ignoring vehicle maintenance can be a recipe for disaster that quickly results in pricey auto repair bills."
This is doubly true for anyone who is planning a road trip or vacation to finish off the summer. For example, it might pay to buy tires ahead of time to ensure you don't get stuck with a flat, or take your car in for diagnostics to ensure that there aren't any nagging issues that you aren't aware of.