Vehicles have thousands of moving parts and several different mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems that all must work perfectly for your vehicle to run. All of those systems also need regular maintenance and occasional repairs to stay in good shape. According to Carsurance, most people own and drive the same vehicle for more than eight years, but many neglect their vehicles. Here are seven reasons why you should never avoid obtaining auto repair service.

1. Little Problems Become Costly Ones

You should try to follow the manufacturer's suggested service intervals for your vehicle that are included in the owner's manual. The service intervals are based on the expected service life of the various parts, systems, and materials that make your vehicle run. Skipping them will often lead to a costlier auto repair service and drive up your ownership costs. Abiding by them will minimize your ownership costs while helping your vehicle last longer.

2. Vehicles Could Become Unsafe

Timely maintenance and repair services help to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. Skipping them, especially when you know service is needed, puts your vehicle and its passengers in jeopardy. Bad brakes, eroded steering, and a bad suspension are just a few of the many mechanical parts and systems that could make driving dangerous if you ignore maintenance and repairs. If the state of disrepair causes an accident, you would be liable for damages and any injuries that might occur.

3. Fuel Economy Suffers

Just about everyone wants to get the best possible fuel economy from their vehicles. Those who drive EVs likewise want to get the maximum driving range. Only timely maintenance and auto repair service helps to ensure the longest driving range on a tank of gas or a full battery charge. Poor fuel economy and shorter range from an EV's battery add up to higher travel and ownership costs over the years.

4. Vehicles Lose Value

A vehicle that is in disrepair is worth significantly less than it would be when in good mechanical condition. A relatively minor expense to maintain and repair your vehicle as needed will help your vehicle to hold its maximum value. Ignoring maintenance and repairs is a sure way to destroy its value, but doing the maintenance and repairs will help you get a better return on your transportation investment.

5. Warranty Protection Requires It

Virtually all new vehicles come with a manufacturer's warranty protection to help protect new car buyers against potential lemons. The warranty requires owners to maintain their vehicles and keep them in reasonably good driving condition. If you know your car needs an auto repair service and you ignore it, you could lose your warranty coverage. That might not seem like a big deal, but it could be one if ignoring vehicular maintenance and repairs causes the vehicle to fail completely. Then you would not have the option of using warranty protection to fix or replace your vehicle.

6. Performance Could Suffer

A poorly running and driving vehicle will not have the same acceleration, handling, and stopping power as it would while properly maintained. Poor performance makes it harder to stay out of trouble while driving and makes it costlier to drive. If you drive a truck or have a towing hitch on your car, van, or SUV, your vehicle will not haul as much as it should and will struggle more with heavier loads. Routine tune-ups and similar maintenance can help you to maintain your vehicle and benefit from a stronger engine and better performance.

7. Ride Quality Becomes Less Comfortable

Driving a vehicle that needs auto repair service but does not get it done eventually will make the ride much less comfortable. The steering and handling might become loose and cause the vehicle to wander. The suspension could cause thumping noises and other disturbing sounds due to bad ball joints or tie rod ends. The exhaust could grow loud and emit potentially deadly carbon monoxide. The sounds and smells affect the quality of the ride and make it a much less comfortable experience.

You can schedule an auto repair service by calling or completing our online form to schedule a service day and time. You also could visit our maintenance and repair facility at Wisconsin Muffler Tire & Auto Center to see if we can take care of it right away and make it run right again.