Vehicle Maintenance You Don't Want to Skip

Too busy to change the oil? You might want to think twice next time you let those 3,000 miles pass you by.

That's because replacing an engine, which relies on oil for lubrication, costs about $2,000 to $5,000 to repair or replace, depending on the vehicle, and that doesn't include the cost of labor.

Costs like this go to show that car owners would be wise to stay on track with even the smallest upkeeps, like replacing worn wiper blades or monitoring power-steering fluid levels.

Forget the former and you're looking at poor visibility in a downpour. The latter? You may get caught in traffic unable to turn the steering wheel.

Those are some of the headaches that contribute to shortened vehicle life, compromised safety, decreased gas mileage and an array of pricey repairs. Even worse, an unchecked failing part that needs replacement could be the cause of an accident. Worn breaks may not allow you to stop suddenly, causing your car to collide into another vehicle or pedestrian.

Though maintenance checks require little time, issues like these are common. The Car Council, an organization promoting the benefits of regular maintenance, inspected vehicles of motorists who attended car care events last April, during National Car Care month. It found that eight out of 10 vehicles had at least one component that failed the vehicle inspection process.

The council estimates that more than $60 billion in vehicle maintenance and repair is not performed every year, evidence that there is considerably more that consumers should be doing to protect their automotive investments.

Chief Checks

Topping the list: Oil, fuel filter, spark plug and coolant fluid changes. All are necessary to keep an engine running. Auto technicians say about 2 million engines are replaced, rebuilt or repaired each year.

You also want to avoid neglecting tires, and make sure to inspect your battery and your timing belt so you are not suddenly and unexpectedly unable to drive.

What's more, being diligent about these checks will likely save you at the pump. "Taking the preventive maintenance steps will help insure the reliability and safety of your car, and they'll also help improve gas mileage," says Jennifer Ortiz, a Car Council spokeswoman.

Cars are designed and built to run for more than 100,000 miles, remain in service an average of 16 years and serve four to five different owners, according to the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, an organization that certifies auto technicians. It also claims that regular service and maintenance can extend the life of a vehicle by 50%.

Not sure where to start? Consult carcare.org, where you'll find a general schedule for vehicle maintenance and information specific to your car. Your vehicle, for example, may have extras that are not included in a generic schedule. Vehicles with turbo-charged engines or hybrid systems may have additional maintenance requirements.

A car can live a long life with a little care and love, but it will surely die a costly death without it.