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The shaky economy is prompting many to cut back on spending, but one industry is reporting a spike in business.
Auto-repair shops across the country say business is up. You may not be able to afford a new car right now, but you can't afford not to keep it running.
At Master Tech Automotive, the repair jobs are coming in faster than they're going out. "The last couple weeks have been very busy," owner Dennis Roennebeck said.
It's a big change from just a few months ago when gas prices spiked and travel declined. Now business in great, and not just in Utah.
"Basically the exact same thing all the way across the country," Roennebeck said.
Technicians say the majority of the repairs aren't minor. They require several days of work and can cost thousands of dollars. "We're seeing a lot of cooling problems, overheating problems, major engine damage," Roennebeck explained.
The repairs fall into two categories: problems people didn't want to pay to fix months ago that have now gotten huge, and maintenance -- people who don't want to buy new right now and are taking all precautions to keep their older cars running.
"A lot of people aren't sure about their jobs, what the market's doing right now," Roennebeck said.
College student Mason Nichols said, "Stuff always happens with cars, especially when they get old like mine."
Nichols was scouting out a good price for new tires at the auto-repair shop. With a full schedule of school and work, keeping his car going for a few more years is critical. "It's cheaper just to keep it going; little repairs every year instead of buying a new car," he said.
Roennebeck estimates if you take care of your car -- everything from changing the oil to replacing major systems when needed -- you'll actually save hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
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