(NUI) - Changing the oil and filter is the most frequently neglected service by vehicle owners, according to a survey of ASE-certified automotive technicians conducted by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
The ASE survey asked technicians to list the auto maintenance that their customers most frequently neglect. From this survey, ASE compiled a Top Ten List of Vehicle Neglect.
While changing the oil and oil filter was the most frequently neglected service at 21.7 percent, neglecting the cooling system, belts and hoses was a close second, listed by 19 percent of technicians.
Transmission neglect (12.3 percent) and neglecting periodic maintenance schedules (10.3 percent) also rated high among the technicians.
"What this survey shows is that the least expensive and least time-consuming routine maintenance is being overlooked by today's car owners," said Ronald Weiner, ASE president. "Vehicle neglect can be costly. Serious problems and expensive repairs often result when car owners don't check and change engine oil and coolant/antifreeze in the radiator, or replace worn belts and hoses."
Technicians also listed other auto maintenance items that are frequently neglected: tune-ups, 8.7 percent; tires, 8.5 percent; suspension and steering, 8.2 percent; brakes, 7.7 percent; timing belts, 2.4 percent; and body/paint work, 1 percent.
Since the complexity of today's new cars and light trucks limits the maintenance and service the average do-it-yourselfers can perform, ASE advises car owners to take their vehicle to a repair facility that employs ASE-certified technicians for periodic checkups. Car owners should follow the recommended service schedules in the owner's manual.
ASE, a national, nonprofit organization, was founded in 1972 to help improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians.
Over 400,000 ASE-certified automobile, truck and collision repair technicians, engine machinists, and parts specialists work in dealerships, independent shops, service stations, auto parts stores, fleets, and schools and colleges.
For more information about ASE and ASE-certified technicians, write to ASE Consumer Brochure, Dept. NU-598, 13505 Dulles Technology Drive, Suite 2, Herndon, VA 20171, or visit their Web site at www.asecert.org.
