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Rising costs and busy schedules are causing more Americans to delay routine car maintenance, a trend mechanics say could lead to bigger repair bills and safety risks.
From oil changes to tire rotations to major repairs, drivers nationwide — including in San Diego County — are putting off essential services.
“Besides, the economy, gas prices, obviously, higher, parts are higher now, right?” said Junior Najor, owner of AA Auto Repair and Transmission in La Mesa. “So I think people are kind of afraid of going into shops now, knowing that it costs more to fix your car.”
Najor, who has more than a decade of experience, said he’s seeing more vehicles come into his shop in worse condition due to delayed maintenance.
“People kind of just neglecting it and say, ‘Yeah, the car still runs. I check my engine, it’s still there,’ ” Najor said. “That’s a joke, ha ha.”
For some drivers, the risk of a breakdown is enough to take action. Jennifer recently brought her car in for an overdue oil change ahead of a trip to Los Angeles.
“It was overdue, unfortunately,” Jennifer said. “I think around a thousand miles is embarrassing.”
According to Carfax data from late 2025, 41% of vehicles nationwide are overdue for at least one major service. That includes nearly 30% behind on tire rotations and almost 20% with overdue oil changes.
While newer vehicles are designed to go longer between maintenance visits, they are also more complex — and often more expensive to repair.
“I hate to say this, but the newer cars are kind of disposable,” Najor said. “They’re not as reliable.”
Mechanics say ignoring early warning signs can turn small issues into costly repairs. Najor recommends addressing problems as soon as they appear.
“Your check-engine light starts flashing, the engine starts shaking, your car is not performing the way it’s supposed to,” Najor said. “If you’re not managing and maintaining your oil levels, that alone could lead to a lot of major problems.”
Najor also suggests building a relationship with a trusted mechanic, especially for drivers on a tight budget.
“Asking for advice on just basically being coached on what’s the most urgent thing if you are on a budget, right?” Najor said. “Like, ‘Hey, I can’t afford to spend at all to fix it all, but give me a list of what’s most important.’ “
Simple steps like maintaining a clean air filter, replacing spark plugs, keeping transmission fluid fresh and ensuring tires are in good condition can also improve fuel efficiency.
Najor added that, when it comes to gasoline, higher-quality fuel can benefit your vehicle and last longer.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.
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