Americans are delaying routine car maintenance

(InvestigateTV) — A new CarFax study found nationwide 29% of car owners are behind on oil changes.

In addition, 44% are behind on their tire rotations and about one in five are late on both.

CarFax Editor in Chief Patrick Olsen said delaying simple vehicle maintenance can lead to bigger problems.

“When families go on a road trip or you’re going to visit your kid in college, or even if you’re just going to and from work, when you delay these types of maintenance, you’re putting your car at risk,” Olsen said. “So, oil changes, you know, your engine can seize up or burn oil more quickly.”

Olsen said skipping tire rotations can often lead to front tires wearing more quickly than back tires, a safety concern.

“I think for a lot of consumers, they’re worried about the cost. It’s usually like around $130 twice a year. And that’s not nothing in this economy. But the reality is, is that, you know, if you have a blowing engine or you wind up in the ditch, we’re talking thousands of dollars or worse – injury or something worse for the driver and their families.”

Olsen said sites like CarFax can help consumers find dealers in their area to price check or even possibly find a coupon for services like oil changes and tire rotations.

He urged consumers to read their owner’s manual.

A lot of people still think that oil should be changed every 3000 miles, but vehicles have changed, and their car may be able to go longer between services.

The manual will also say if a car needs synthetic or conventional oil, which could also impact the cost.