If you're a procrastinator, there are some tasks that can be put off in auto repair and others that can't. Here are some things to think about.
There are some auto repair tasks and preventative maintenance chores that should be taken care of promptly while others that can be put on the back burner for a while. When people are procrastinators,
their motto may be: "Never do today what can be put off till tomorrow." This lackadaisical attitude is fine for some things but can turn into big trouble for others at the auto repair shop. This laid back attitude may make a person mellow and fairly easy to get along with if one doesn't live with him or her. If one's roommate or family member often procrastinates, this can become a source of arguments. Lawns that don't get mowed, dishes that don't get washed and bills that don't get paid can escalate into lowered property values, nasty notes from the Home Owners' Association, unsightly kitchens, insect infestations and debt collectors pounding at the door.
In terms of car repairs, it can mean that a minor thing turns into a huge problem. Here are some guidelines to what can be put off vs. what must be done immediately at an auto repair shop.
Can be put off:
Radio or sound system repair: When a vehicle's sound system goes kaput, this can create a less enjoyable driving experience but it won't affect the actual mechanical performance. Going on long or short journeys without tunes isn't fun, but if a procrastinator wants to fix the radio or CD player on another day, it's not going to be the end of the world.
Car wash: If a sedan, truck or SUV is filthy inside and out, it probably would make the passengers and driver more comfortable if it was washed and vacuumed. But if the owner just doesn't feel like it, no big calamities with the driving ability or engine will occur.
AC isn't cooling: While the summer months will likely be miserable in a vehicle without air conditioning, it's not the end of the world. If the AC conks out during the winter, the procrastinating owner can put this reparation off till the temps start warming up.
Can NOT be put off:
Oil checks: The oil is the lifeblood of the vehicle. If this fluid is low or filthy, putting off this relatively simple and inexpensive maintenance task can turn into an expensive nightmare of thrown rods, blown up engines, and poor fuel efficiency. Whatever a car owners' manual says about scheduled oil changes must be adhered to or there will be trouble down the road.
Tune-ups: Cars should be tuned up on schedule or there will be breakdowns. Not only that, the warranty will likely be voided out if the recommended maintenance schedule wasn't adhered to.
Brake jobs: In terms of safety, a brake job is one of the top necessities. When stopping devices go out, people die. Brake jobs must be done promptly so that no one gets hurt.
Procrastinators will be happy to know that there are some auto repair chores that they can put off until another day. But if they decide to ignore the crucial ones, they'll be sorry.
