Kyle's Corner (FYI) Economy Slows Vehicle Repairs and Maintenance

As Americans, we like to be independent and drive where we want to go when we want to go. However, USA Today has reported that many Americans are struggling with their vehicles financially.

One car owner has had her vehicle sitting in a condominium parking lot for some time as her car has a flat tire and transmission damage. Like other Americans, the owner has been out of work for two years, and she does not have the $1,000 needed to get the transmission repaired.

A new AAA survey says that a growing number of Americans are finding it difficult to keep their vehicles on the road due to job losses, furloughs, and high gasoline prices.

Jim Lardear, director of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic was quoted in USA Today saying, "Many Americans relay on their cars for their livelihood and losing access to them could be financially devastating."

Additional AAA survey findings included:

More than half (54 percent) of Americans said they do not want the financial burden associated with buying a new car and thus they want to keep their current car running.

Additionally, 25 percent of drivers said they have neglected repairs and maintenance on their vehicles during the past year due to the slow economy. Consequently, they might face a much more costly repair down the road.

Furthermore, it is reported that 28 percent of drivers cannot afford a $2,000 vehicle repair and 18 percent cannot afford a $1,000 car repair bill.

Also, drivers who would normally have the oil changed every 3,000 miles are extending such service to 5,000 miles and other drivers are pushing the mileage up even more. Owners are only having the most necessary vehicle repairs done and they are putting off other repairs.

One driver did not have the timing belt (personally, I prefer a timing chain) changed at the recommended mileage on his 2005 Kia Spectra. An independent garage could have replaced the timing belt on his car for $300-$500. Instead, the belt broke and his vehicle incurred upper engine damage to the tune of $3,000-$3,500. Much more expensive indeed!

USA Today reported that the economy has changed the way drivers look at the cost of a vehicle repair. In the past, a $1,000 repair would cause drivers to buy a new vehicle because they felt that their car was not worth repairing. Now, however, drivers are shying away from purchasing a new car unless they absolutely have to.

And when it is time to pay for repair bills, garages are seeing the customers' pain. It is common to see a $450 vehicle repair bill put on four separate credit cards.

So what are some things drivers can do in these tough economic times? First, they can arrange to carpool with a coworker or a number of coworkers. If your vehicle breaks down, such transportation planning will give you some time to get your car sorted out.

Keep all of the fluid levels (oil, transmission, brake, power steering, radiator coolant) at their full-level mark. The fluids are relatively inexpensive and are easily to add (be certain to use the type of fluid as recommended in your vehicle owner's manual).

If you have the time and you can borrow a car, consider having a vocational technical school possibly do an expensive repair on your car. If you decide to go this route, at the end of the repair, go to your regular mechanic to insure that everything is in order and that all bolts are tight. Do not take a chance regarding your safety!

If you need to buy a used vehicle or even a new one for that matter, visit your local public library and check out the April (Auto) issue of Consumer Reports. Choose a vehicle that has a good repair history to cut down on future vehicle repairs.

To read my recent article on the 2000 Toyota Camry LE visit: 2000 Toyota Camry LE: Dependable, dependable, dependable in any kind of market.

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price -- " He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebookand Twitter.