Many drivers are putting off repairs and auto maintenance to save money, but this can backfire and wind up costing them much more in the long run. Delaying a minor repair can lead to more expensive fixes, but 40 percent of drivers polled in a recent Consumer reports survey claimed that they have been putting off fixing issues that do not yet interfere with daily driving.

"The family car is the second largest purchase a consumer can make," said Jeff Bartless, an online automotive editor for Consumer Reports. "It's also often one of the most abused. 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."

Drivers who are putting off repairs to save money should bite the bullet and get the work done as soon as possible. Otherwise, they run the risk of the issue growing larger and more expensive, not to mention more dangerous. An extended auto warranty can be purchased to cover the cost of necessary repairs for certain car parts, and the money spent on the warranty can easily be recouped with just one major repair.