1/19/2012 - Four in 10 drivers have delayed car repairs

A new survey indicates that in an effort to save money, many Americans have put off having their vehicles serviced, even though doing so jeopardized their driving safety.

The poll, conducted by Consumer Reports, indicated that 40% of respondents said they had postponed having their car checked out by a mechanic for repairs on such things as brakes, tires and headlights. Among these motorists, 44% admitted that doing this could compromise their car's value, reliability and safety.

"The family car is the second largest purchase a consumer can make. It's also often one of the most abused," said Jeff Bartlett, deputy online automotive editor for Consumer Reports. "We expect our car to work even in the harshest conditions, so protecting that investment should be a priority, especially when it becomes a safety issue."

The survey also found respondents were pursuing other ways of lowering their costs, such as holding on to their vehicles for a longer period of time before buying a new one.