For many drivers, it’s tempting to put off routine vehicle maintenance, especially when your car seems to be running fine. But the truth is, those skipped oil changes or ignored tire checks can sneak up on you with some hefty hidden costs.

Here, we’ll explore why sticking to a maintenance schedule is important for your vehicle AND your wallet.

What Happens When You Skip Basic Routine Vehicle Maintenance?

At Good Works Auto Repair, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when routine vehicle maintenance gets pushed to the back burner. For example, we serviced a 2005 Toyota Avalon in our Tempe auto repair shop that the owner had driven 13,000 miles without an oil change. The oil filter was so clogged with sludge that it was falling apart, and the engine was dangerously low on oil. That kind of neglect can lead to engine damage that costs thousands to fix—or even a full engine replacement.

Watch this video to see exactly what happened:

Routine vehicle maintenance, like regular oil changes, is designed to prevent disasters like this. That’s because oil lubricates your engine, keeping all those moving parts working together smoothly. When you skip it, you’re increasing your risk for some serious (and expensive) problems.

The Ripple Effect of Neglecting Routine Vehicle Maintenance

Skipping routine vehicle maintenance is like ignoring a small leak in your roof. It starts small but can cause a flood of issues. For example, we serviced a van whose radiator and evaporator were so clogged with debris that they couldn’t do their jobs. The result? Poor AC performance, overheating risks, and a system that started leaking refrigerant. Fixing a leaky AC system can cost hundreds, but a quick cleaning—part of routine maintenance—could’ve prevented it for a fraction of the price.

Watch this video to get all the details:

Here are some of the services we offer at Good Works Auto Repair to keep your car in tip-top shape:

• Oil changes to protect your engine from sludge and wear.
• Tire services such as rotations and alignments to extend tire life and improve handling.
• Brake checks to keep you safe on the road.
• AC and cooling system maintenance to stay comfortable in Arizona’s heat.
• Emissions testing and repairs to keep your car legal and efficient.

Ignoring these issues can trigger a chain reaction of problems, escalating a $100 maintenance visit into a $1,000 repair.

The Hidden Costs of Not Prioritizing Preventive Maintenance

When you skip routine vehicle maintenance, the costs aren’t always obvious right away. Here’s what you might be facing:

• Expensive Repairs: A clogged oil filter or ignored brake wear can damage other parts, like your engine or rotors. Eventually, this can lead to repairs that cost hundreds or thousands.
• Downtime and Inconvenience: A breakdown can leave you stranded, forcing you to pay for towing or miss work.
• Fuel Inefficiency: Neglected maintenance, like dirty air filters or underinflated tires, can lower your gas mileage, adding to your costs at the pump.
• Environmental Impact: A poorly maintained car might fail emissions tests, leading to fines or costly repairs to make it compliant.

Why Choose Good Works Auto Repair as Your Trusted Tempe Auto Repair Shop?

At our auto repair shop in Tempe, we make routine vehicle maintenance hassle-free. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools catch minor issues before they become big problems, and our 5-year/60,000-mile warranty gives you confidence in our work. Plus, we’ve been voted a Three Best Rated Local Business multiple times, as well as a Tempe Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award winner. Simply put, that means we’re committed to serving YOU and our community with honest, affordable auto repairs and excellent customer service.

Don’t let the hidden costs of skipping routine vehicle maintenance catch you off guard. Schedule service today and let’s work together to keep your car—and your budget—in great shape!