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(NAPSI)-For most people, their vehicle represents one of the largest purchases they make, behind only their house. So it makes good sense to protect that investment through regular maintenance.
But as sensible as this advice is, most of us do not follow it, according to a survey of ASE-certified automotive technicians.
Eighty-four percent of surveyed technicians said they always or usually explain the importance of maintenance, while only 29 percent of motorists always or usually follow their technicians' advice.
"Considering the cost and complexity of today's vehicles, consumers are being penny wise and dollar foolish if they neglect routine maintenance," notes ASE publications director Martin Lawson.
So what items specifically are consumers neglecting?
The old-fashioned oil change tops the list (35 percent),
followed by transmissions (19 percent),
tires (14 percent),
cooling systems (13 percent),
brakes (10 percent),
belts/hoses (5 percent)
engine performance matters, at 4 percent.
The downside of all this neglect is shortened vehicle life, compromised safety, decreased gasoline mileage and the specter of minor repairs ballooning into big-ticket items.
A majority of the technicians noted motorists could extend vehicle life by 50 percent or more with regular service and maintenance.
ASE was founded to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians.
ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia; their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign. Visit www.ase.com for more car care tips.