Maintenance and repairs are as much as part of car ownership costs as insurance and gasoline, but many drivers can lose money when it comes to mechanical work on their cars. AutoMD.com, an online repair resource, recently published a list of the top 10 costly mistakes drivers make when it comes to car repairs and maintenance.

First was putting off tuneups and minor repairs. Preventative maintenance can improve the overall performance of the car to reduce the risk of repairs and improve fuel economy, which can save drivers money in the long run. This includes everything from keeping an eye on tire pressure to changing the oil and filters or getting an alignment.

Ignoring minor fixes likely won't affect your ability to drive the car – not at first, anyway. When you don't address a small issue, it will likely worsen and turn into a major repair that could wind up costing more than just getting the original problem fixed.

"At AutoMD.com we are always looking for ways to help car owners save precious dollars while keeping their vehicles running safely," said Brian Hafer, the website's vice president of marketing. "This is why our experts have put together a list of simple tips to help pre-empt costly auto repair mistakes. By following this advice, car owners can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on auto repairs."

When you have work done on your vehicle and the mechanic tells you a part needs to be replaced, you should be sure to get the original part back. This will ensure you're not being charged for work that was never done if you're unlucky enough to bring your car to an untrustworthy mechanic. The automotive experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center will diagnose your vehicle and make necessary repairs without trying to pull the wool over your eyes.