Car maintenance neglect `increases costs'

- 17th February 2009

Putting off car maintenance and services for financial reasons may cost motorists more in the long term, it has been claimed.

The US-based National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence also states a well-maintained vehicle can be expected to last up to twice as long as one that has been neglected.

A study of master automotive technicians surveyed by the group found oil changes, tyre and brake services, wheel alignments, air and fuel filter improvements and transmission tune-ups are among the most commonly neglected checks.

The organisation added: "A well-maintained vehicle gets better gasoline mileage, pollutes less, is safer to operate and commands a better resale value."

Recommendations made by the group include asking car servicing centres whether they specialise in certain types of maintenance and looking for a neat, well-organised facility.

Last week, Australia-based vehicle product retailer Nulon surveyed 1,962 UK motorists and found Britons are lacking in simple car maintenance knowledge.