The dollar’s value isn’t as great as it was once. Some motorists have had to trim back on maintenance or delay repairs because of tight budgets. Delaying repairs can pose a risk to motorists.

Failure to pay attention to your vehicle’s maintenance can result in expensive repairs. AAA reminds motorists to pay attention to their vehicle’s maintenance. This can pose a danger for them, their passengers, and anyone else on the road.

For safer driving and improved vehicle reliability, be sure to monitor these five areas:

1. Keep your grip on the traction. Tires with less tread are more likely than tires with more tread to hydroplane or lose traction on snowy pavement. These are two of the most dangerous situations drivers could find themselves in.

Insert a quarter upside down into a tire groove. You can see Washington’s head when you start looking for new tires.

2. Suspension work that isn’t required should not be suspended. Neglecting to maintain your undercar components can lead to driver loss of control, particularly if shock absorbers or struts wear down.

3. Breeze out brake malfunctions. Low levels of fluid, old brake fluid and low fluid levels can cause brake fade and failure. Moisture-contaminated fluid also increases corrosion in the brake hydraulic system, which can include expensive electronic anti-lock brake system (ABS) components.

Every oil change, check the level of brake fluid. If the level is lower than the “low”If you see a mark in your fluid reservoir, this is usually an indication of brake wear or a leak elsewhere in the system. You should immediately consult a professional.

Most manufacturers recommend that brake fluid be replaced every two years in order to remove moisture and contaminants. Specific recommendations can be found in the owner’s manual.

4. Make sure that fluids checks are not left out of your maintenance program. Leakage of fluids means your vehicle is in need of maintenance. All fluids that are flammable, such as oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid can catch fire when they come into contact with hot exhaust components or engines. Fluid leaks are the leading cause of vehicle fires.

5. Keep good vision in sight. Motorists must be able to see the road. Windshield wipers that are cracked, broken, or fragile will reduce visibility as they can’t remove dirt, insects, and other debris. Wiper blades can be cleaned with windshield washer fluid.

AAA Approved Auto Repair shops are able to provide trustworthy guidance for motorists regarding repairs and safety. You can identify shops by looking online at AAA.com/Repair or using the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign.

John Nielsen joined AAA in 1998 as the national director for the Approved Auto Repair network. Nielsen has more than 30 years experience in the automotive sector. He holds an ASE Master Automotive Technician certificate and authored the book. “Making Sense of Car Care”He testified to the national and state legislatures. Now, he is Editor in Chief of AAA’s truck and car reviews. He is a regular on TV and radio shows across the country.