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Fitting car maintenance into your budget is easier than fitting car repair into it

Our parents taught us that if we took good care of our possessions they would last longer. So we brought our bikes in out of the rain, put our crayons back in their boxes and even cleaned our fish tanks occasionally. But as we grew older and acquired increasingly complex possessions, upkeep became more time-consuming and complicated. With families, jobs, homes and pets demanding our attention, there's not much energy left over for one of our costliest possessions-our cars.

"While it's true that today's models require less frequent maintenance and are more reliable on the road, it is still important not to take our vehicles for granted," says John Nielsen, director, AAA Auto Repair Network. "A small investment of time and money can mean big savings in the long run."

Attention to tires, for example, makes a measurable difference in their performance and longevity. Failure to have them rotated at recommended intervals can shorten the life of your tires by 20 percent.

Consider the impact of a preventive measure as simple as a cooling system flush, typically recommended between 40,000 to 100,000 miles. If the coolant is not flushed and replaced, it can become corrosive and damage the vehicle's radiator and other components. The corrosive fluid also may interfere with lubricating additives and cause wear on the water pump. A damaged radiator can cost several hundred dollars to replace. To replace a water pump, you'll spend up to $300.

Although hoses last longer than they used to, putting their endurance to the test is risky. If a hose fails, coolant is lost, causing your vehicle to overheat and possibly damage your engine. If this happens on a family vacation, you'll be paying for your negligence in more ways than one.

Transmission service is another routine maintenance procedure, yet if it is overlooked, the transmission fluid deteriorates and accelerates wear on crucial internal parts. You don't want to experience the horror stories you've heard about the cost of replacing a transmission.

Timing belts are typically replaced at 50,000 to 60,000 miles. If you ignore it for too long, the consequence could be disastrous. A belt that snaps will not only leave you stranded but could flatten your wallet as well. In some cases, when a timing belt breaks, the valves hit the pistons, causing them to bend, which adds to the cost of repair.

In addition to saving you the cost of unnecessary repairs, preventive maintenance can help you avoid roadside emergencies. We may be due for a severe winter in Colorado-and it's just around the corner. The most common call to AAA's Emergency Road Service department during the winter is for a dead battery, so have yours tested soon to be sure it's functioning properly. You may also remove any corrosion and oxidation from the battery connections with a small brush and a paste of baking soda and water. This helps ensure maximum power delivery.

The most appropriate maintenance guidance for your vehicle can be found in the owner's manual. The information it offers is designed to help you spend your time and money wisely to protect your car, your safety and your budget.

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