Many drivers on the road today are savvy about taking good care of their vehicles and checking off their routine maintenance when the time comes. They understand that these regular trips to the mechanic are like going to the doctor for regular checkups- they keep our cars running smoothly and diagnose any issues early on. However, there are some people that tend to ignore these recommendations, simply driving their car until a major problem arises, and end up paying for it later- in time, money, and frustration. This is the same principle that guides some people’s actions regarding their own physical health, never going to the doctor until it’s an emergency, and never seeing the inside of a clinic until they learn they have cancer.

The truth is, your car can get sick too, and you run the risk of serious illness and injury to your vehicle if you don’t have it checked out and tuned up on a regular basis. Routine maintenance for cars and trucks is an important kind of preventative medicine. Your mechanic can top off fluids, rotate tires, and inspect all the systems and parts that your car needs to function well. They can tell you if something is wearing out, when it needs replacing, and fix up any urgent problems while you’re there. But if you never go, you’ll never know!

If you’ve been driving around for years without stopping to give your car a checkup, there are a few things you should know.

It Will Cost You More Money

Depending on the issue, it could be hundreds or even thousands more to fix a long-standing problem than it would have cost to get it taken care of earlier. There are many things that can go wrong with your vehicle, and if ignored, can fester into serious damage. After all, the little creaks and thuds and sprays are usually symptoms of a larger issue, so resist the urge to blow them off. That tiny leak can turn into a blown hose. The small wobble can turn into a bent axle or damaged wheel. That screeching sound could end up as a damaged engine. Spend the small amount of money now and save thousands down the line.

It Can Put You In Danger

Most of us drive our cars every day- to work, to school, to run errands, and go to social events. When you ignore your routine maintenance, those commutes become even more dangerous. If something goes wrong on the road, it dramatically increases your chance of an accident or serious crash. Braking or steering failures are especially hazardous, but other things like fluid leaks, blocked air intake, or even broken tail lights can cause problems while driving. The more mechanic inspections you skip, the more likely it is that you’ll end up broken down or overheated, possibly in the path of other cars and other hazards.

Want to avoid the shock to your pocketbook and keep yourself alive and well? Call your mechanic and get your vehicle in for routine maintenance today, and mark it on the calendar so you never forget again!