Whenever we hear a strange noise from our car or see a random dent or scratch, we may turn a blind eye to it. Although ignoring the problem seems like the easiest and cheapest option, it’s not, and you could cause harm to yourself and possibly ruin your car.

From the dreaded engine light to a broken license plate, it’s essential that you check and maintain your vehicle, no matter how small the issue may seem. Here are the top three reasons you shouldn’t ignore minor car issues.

Your Safety Is Compromised

Even minor car issues can compromise your safety down the line and result in serious injury. For example, if you have a chipped windshield, you should get that taken care of immediately. The cracks can weaken your windshield, compromising your safety if you get in a crash and obstructing your view, making it dangerous to drive.

Minor Issues Can Be Major

We like to think that we know our cars and that our vehicles can handle any issue for a short period. However, potentially major issues often appear as only minor issues. For example, if you see that you have a coolant warning light on, you may not perceive it as high risk. However, you shouldn’t ignore it because it could indicate your car’s engine is overheating, which can destroy the engine.

Small Problems Can Lead to Big Expenses

If you ignore seemingly small problems that end up being larger problems, you also subject yourself to hefty repair expenses. By ignoring and prolonging needed maintenance, your car will develop more serious issues that will cost more to fix.

To return to the chipped windshield example, if you procrastinate repair, you could end up paying a premium to replace your entire windshield. However, if you jump on maintenance as soon as a small crack occurs, your repair costs will remain minimal. Simply put, prevent paying exorbitant repair costs and fix issues when they arise.

You Could Lose Your Vehicle

As stated before, minor issues can lead to bigger problems, including a completely undrivable vehicle. Many people rely on their cars, so ignoring issues to the point of no return could be devastating. To avoid this, perform regular maintenance in addition to immediately addressing all minor issues that arise. The extra effort right now will always pay off in the long run.