Early fixes save cash

That new noise? Don’t wait until the repair becomes a horror story

A 2002 Chevrolet Blazer had developed a small coolant leak from its radiator. According to Joe Ranker, the Hohokus, N.J., mechanic who spotted the leak, a repair would have cost about $400. But the customer decided to put off the fix. Within a few weeks, the Blazer's engine overheated, blew a head gasket, and needed a replacement of the cylinder heads, which cost the owner roughly $2,000. That scenario underscores the importance of monitoring your car's health and taking care of small problems before they snowball into service disasters.

A car will usually signal that something isn't right long before it has a major failure. Following the recommended maintenance schedule in your vehicle owner's manual is usually enough to avert many large problems. Routine maintenance items such as oil changes and tire rotations are performed on time, and during the accompanying inspections a trained technician can spot signs of trouble: leaks you might not have noticed, tiny cracks on the accessory belt, worn brake pads, or indications that front-end joints and bearings are wearing out.

If the warning signs are ignored, any of those problems could lead to expensive repairs in the future or even leave you stranded on the side of the road.

We spoke with a number of automotive mechanics across the country who had similar stories of owners who ignored early signs of trouble only to find themselves digging deeper into their wallets later to pay for needlessly costly repairs.