Considering the cost and complexity of today's vehicles, consumers could spend more money in the end when they neglect routine maintenance, note ASE officials. They point out that almost two-thirds of the technicians surveyed said consumers could take care of their maintenance and repair needs for less than $500 annually.

What items specifically are consumers neglecting? Here are the most neglected items, according to ASE-certified automotive technicians: lube, oil, and filters; transmission; tires; cooling system; brakes; belts; and tuneup.

The downside of all this neglect is shortened vehicle life, compromised safety, lessened gasoline mileage and the likelihood of increased repair costs due to minor repairs ballooning into big-ticket overhauls. For those who do take their vehicles in for routine maintenance and service, there's a big payoff. A majority of technicians said motorists could extend vehicle life by 50 percent or more.

The technicians polled are among the industry's best, having taken and passed independent national certification exams. Slightly over a third (36 percent) of the participants were college graduates, and another third (37 percent) had graduated from a technical school, while 90 percent use a computer on the job.

ASE was founded in 1972 as a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. ASE-certified professionals wear blue and white ASE insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign. Visit www.ase.com for more information.