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CARSON, Calif., June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- About 60% of car owners who normally take their vehicle to the repair shop report spending between $500 and $2,000+ a year on auto repair and maintenance while 60% of DIYers report saving $500 or more (over half report saving $1,000+) from doing their own auto repairs, according to surveys by AutoMD.com(1). This represents a considerable saving/spend gap. To help close this gap, AutoMD.com has identified some of the most common, and most costly, auto repair mistakes that car owners should avoid.

"At AutoMD.com we are always looking for ways to help car owners save precious dollars while keeping their vehicles running safely. This is why our experts have put together a list of simple tips to help pre-empt costly auto repair mistakes," said Brian Hafer, VP of Marketing at AutoMD.com. "By following this advice, car owners can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on auto repairs."

AutoMD.com's Top Ten Really Expensive Auto Repair Mistakes:

Mistake #1: Neglecting preventative maintenance and minor repairs.Cost: $1,000s Ignoring simple preventative maintenance, like changing the engine oil and filter, could damage your engine and replacing that engine could cost thousands(2) of dollars! Failing to make minor car repairs today, such as replacing a thermostat or front brake pads, could mean more expensive repairs tomorrow. Other simple, but important, repair and maintenance tasks car owners can do on their own or have a mechanic perform at an affordable price include changing the transmission fluid; checking the coolant level, mixture, and condition, and checking the vehicle's tire pressure on a regular basis. Bottom Line: Don't put off to tomorrow, what can be done today. Click here for a list of repairs car owners should never ignore.

Mistake #2: Not asking for your parts back. Cost: Unnecessary $$ If a part needs to be replaced on your car, always ask for your old part back; simply ask the mechanic to place the old part in the new part's box. Unfortunately, some dishonest repair shops may charge you for work that was not done or repairs that are not necessary. Asking for your old parts back confirms that the new part was actually installed, and it keeps the mechanic from replacing a part that is still good. Bottom Line: Not asking for your old parts back could mean paying for an unnecessary repair, or paying for a job that was not performed!

Mistake #3: Neglecting your tires. Cost: More gas $$$ + tire replacement ($140 - $600+[3]), and loss of safety (priceless!)Driving on underinflated tires can shorten the life of your tires, increase tire wear and lead to significant tire damage from heat, potholes and other road hazards. If the tire fails completely, you could lose control of the vehicle! Plus, keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent. And don't be tempted to get more mileage out of your tires than they can safely give by driving on them when they are bald. Driving on bald tires can reduce vehicle traction and lead to an accident. Bottom Line: Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your tires, it means safer driving and better gas mileage. Click here for AutoMD.com's Tire Care Tips. How to check tire pressure

Mistake #4: Ignoring dashboard warning lights. Cost: $1,000s! Loss of safety (priceless!)Dashboard warning lights are just that, warning lights! Pay attention to them they could be warning you about a serious maintenance problem that could lead to expensive repairs or unsafe driving. Be sure to read your owner's manual and familiarize yourself with what the different warning lights on your car's dashboard mean Check Engine Light, Oil Light, Temperature Light, Brake Light and what action you should take for each. Never ignore your Check Engine Light, thinking the car is running fine. Your MPG could be reduced by as much as 30%. A blinking Check Engine light indicates a severe misfire that could damage your car's expensive catalytic converter. Ignoring the oil and temperature lights can result in an engine replacement meaning thousands of dollars out of your pocket. Bottom Line: Pay attention to all your car's symptoms, including warning lights.

Mistake #5: Telling your mechanic what parts to replace. Cost: Double your $$ (or more!)Today's vehicles are extremely complex, and while it is a good idea to do your research, some vehicle symptoms can be misleading. For example, you may be convinced that your car needs new spark plugs or an engine tune-up, when you really need the MAF sensor cleaned. If you tell your mechanic to replace the spark plugs instead of asking him to diagnose the problem, he will do it and charge you for it, leaving you with the same unresolved issue. Bottom Line: Be informed, but listen to the experts, otherwise you could end up paying for an unnecessary repair, while the original issue remains unresolved.Click here to see a list of commonly misdiagnosed vehicle symptoms and repairs.

Mistake #6: Not doing simple repairs yourself. Cost: Up to $200!(4) Rather than spending time and money at the repair shop, try doing some of the easiest repairs yourself, such as replacing wiper blades, replacing a light bulb, even replacing a fuse and an air filter. Reference your owner's manual and go online for videos and how to guides (AutoMD.com's how-to guides provide step by step instructions for these repairs). And, these jobs just may provide a stepping stone and the courage you need to attempt even more of your own car repairs, which can lead to more savings. Bottom Line: Doing simple repairs yourself could actually save you time, as well as money.Click here for a list of repairs car owners can, and should, do themselves.

Mistake #7: Failing to properly communicate your repair issue. Cost: Time and $$ at the repair shop: Labor rate is $40-$200+/hour!(5)If you can't describe the problem effectively, your mechanic will spend more time diagnosing (meaning more labor costs) and may come to the wrong conclusion! Write down what you hear, feel, see, and smell before you arrive and keep a log of exactly when the symptoms occur (for instance, when you're braking or when you're driving over a certain speed), and share this with your mechanic. Also, note the location and frequency of the symptoms, and if any repairs were done on the vehicle recently - sometimes a problem is related to the last repair. You can also go online to get help diagnosing your car's problem - AutoMD.com has an easy-to-use diagnostic tool that provides a list of questions your mechanic might ask, as well as assistance to help you troubleshoot the problem(s) yourself. Bottom Line: Describing your repair issue accurately will save time, money and headaches.

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Ten Really Expensive Auto Repair Mistakes to Avoid

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