An auto mechanic shop is probably familiar to most Americans. The reasons to visit are also most likely a subject commonly discussed at the proverbial water cooler. Perhaps it has to do with air conditioning, tires for sale, or a simple tune up service. At some point a car owner is going to need someone.

Check Engine Light

Ten percent of drivers have a check engine light on at any time, but 50 percent of those drivers completely ignore it for three months or longer. A study at Indiana University estimated about 1.4 percent of all auto accidents are due to under-inflated tires. Mechanical failures are roughly responsible for around 12 or 13 percent of all auto accidents.

While not all issues are going to start with a check engine light there is a great deal of responsibility on the individual. Oil should be changed every 5,000 miles, four months, or according to manufacturer’s specifications. Tire rotation should be done about every 7,500 miles or as often as the manufacturer specifies. The Car Care Council says that timing belts typically need replacement between 60,000 and 90,000 miles.

How many people perfectly follow such guidelines though? The ones that follow those guidelines most closely probably have an active relationship with their local auto shop. Air conditioning, brakes, and oil change are definitely areas all drivers are familiar with. In other words, the comfort, control, and blood of the beast are what folks concern themselves mostly with.

Car Repair Is More Than Belts And Hoses

The most important program that an owner can maintain beyond a relationship with a mechanic, is to be proactive in their vehicle. Staying on top of the maintenance of a vehicle is a sure fire way to expand on its lifetime. An investment of such magnitude should never be neglected or a thing of value is wasted.

Approximately 50 percent of all premature car battery failures are from loss of water due to lack of maintenance, evaporation from under hood heat, or overcharging. Taking all of these pieces individually should provide a picture of a typical personal vehicle. However, these are all also normal wear and tear issues of said vehicle.

If a thing of quality is obtained and maintained it will last exponentially longer than a neglected masterpiece. In order to reduce the risk of costly repairs having an active maintenance program gives the most bang for a buck. It is almost always more likely to be more cost efficient to maintain a level of care than plan to fully replace.