The poor economy is affecting more than the way people are driving. It is also causing some motorists to cut corners on auto maintenance, which can come back to cost them more later and lead to road service calls.

Repair shops around the country are seeing business slow down. When customers are told they are due for their 30,00-mile service, they say that they are going to hold off for a while. Then they end up waiting until 40,000 miles to have it done.

This is due to the fact that people have taken a hit with the economy, causing maintenance repairs to take a backseat.

But, according to experts, avoiding maintenance repairs to save money will end up costing you more money, and safety, in the long run.

Roadside assistance calls are at an all time high because of this problem. Motorists are calling because their battery is out, or they haven’t’ changed their oil enough, or a tire has blown, and numerous other problems.