As the cost of new vehicles continue to increase due to inflation, customers are now willing to pay for repairs they normally wouldn't consider to keep their vehicle on the road, according to a KSN News report. 

Shop owner John Pennella of The Garage auto repair shop in Wichita, Kan. told KSN News that his customers are telling him the repair costs are worth it to avoid new car payments. 

“We’re starting to see a lot more big-ticket items,” Pennella said. “Engines, transmissions, maybe even a set of tires they weren’t going to purchase.”

Pennella has yet to raise the price of his services even as the cost of supplies, such as oil additives, and parts are going up, and not to mention, are becoming harder to get. 

“We’re trying to keep our prices at a level playing field for everyone,” Pennella told KSN News. “We understand times are hard, but we know cars need to be safe on the road.” 

Pennella advises whether a car is new or used, keeping maintenance up to date is key.

The shop owner recommends vehicle owners to get small maintenance issues fixed sooner rather than later as those repairs can add up - in volume and in cost.