Professional mechanics say that neglecting maintenance and servicing is the leading cause of mechanical problems. Avoiding these 10 worst things can prevent costly repairs and emergency situations.

1. Do not ignore the Check Engine Light. Check engine lights are used to alert drivers of computer malfunctions. The lights may temporarily go out of order, but if they remain on it is a sign that something is wrong with the vehicle. Through a scanner tool, the software provides an error code that can be identified by mechanics.
2. Do Not Neglect Regular Maintenance Service plans are intended to encourage owners to maintain their vehicles in good condition. These checks are not just for regular maintenance. It’s not unusual to discover that regular maintenance is required to maintain a vehicle’s warranty.
3. Tire Pressure is Not Proper – Tire pressure must be within the limits set by the specifications. Incorrect tire pressure not only reduces fuel efficiency but also speeds up tire wear. Properly inflated tires are more efficient and will use less fuel. These limits can be found in the owner’s manual or from a qualified mechanic.
4. Allow Vehicle to Run Low on Fluids Many of the vehicle’s systems need fluid in order to work properly. Neglecting to maintain fluid levels and cleanliness is one of the worst mistakes you can make. These can all be checked easily during scheduled maintenance. They can also be checked by professional mechanics and covered under your car’s warranty. This is sometimes called “coolant & fluid services”, but it includes maintenance of the transmission, brake, coolant, power steering fluids, and other fluids. Check your maintenance schedule to see when coolant or fluid services should be performed.
5. Using generic replacement parts Cars are built to work with the original quality parts they were made with. These parts may be replaced with lower quality parts, which can lead to increased wear and more malfunctions. This danger extends beyond the parts of safety systems like the brake. A car warranty may also prohibit generic parts.
6. Do Not Neglect Transmission Problems The transmission was designed to last for hundreds of thousands of miles. Neglecting to care for your transmission is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Regular transmission fluid flushing will prolong its life and help prevent emergencies.
7. Not Changing Oil Oil lubricates your engine and prevents it from getting damaged. It’s part of a regular maintenance program and easy to change. Although opinions about when to change your oil can vary between car models, each model has its own guidelines. The owner’s manual will provide the correct oil change schedule.
8. A Dirty Air Filter Air filters are used to remove dirt and dust from intakes, which allows for cleaner air. They should be replaced every 20,000, or as often as necessary. They are easy to access and inspect visually. While replacing air filters is relatively inexpensive, neglecting them can lead to higher repair costs. If the filter isn’t replaced, both the oxygen sensor as well as catalytic converter could be damaged.
9. Unqualified mechanic. Although it may seem cheaper to hire a mechanic, mistakes can prove fatal. They can cause malfunctions and may lead to accidents that could result in injury to passengers or drivers.
10. Driving overheated– A minor issue such as a worn hose can cause an overheated vehicle. Although hose replacements can be costly, a mechanic may be needed to diagnose the problem. Overheating your vehicle can cause cracks in the engine block and a blown gasket. Repairs for either of these situations can cost thousands.