High gas prices have drivers skimping on car maintenance to try to save money. Before you drop the oil change or tire rotation, you'd better think about what it will cost you if something REALLY goes wrong.

It's usually a smooth ride in Tonya Raines' prized SUV. Two months ago, though, she hit a big bump in the road.

"I went to a tire store to get my tires rotated. And the gentleman looked at the tires and it was not able to be rotated because the cords were showing," she told us.

The cost to replace all four tires was $500. Tonya couldn't afford it, so she just replaced two. That left her with two worn out wheels. And that's not the only thing her SUV needs.

"I do know I need to get my transmission checked," she admitted. "I believe it is slipping."

But she said that's going to have to wait too.

She's not the only one putting the brakes on basic car maintenance. AAA has seen drivers skimping on important checks like antifreeze, brake pads, and tires. Each can have serious safety ramifications.

"Tires that are starting to wear out just aren't going to have the traction so you're much more likely to slide," said John Nielsen, who is with AAA. That could cause a serious accident.

Despite the danger, the Tire Industry Association says times are tough and that's affecting choices.

"You're just seeing a lot of situations where consumers are putting off until the next paycheck, the next month, the next 6 months, the next year, tires that should be replaced," said Roy Littlefield, who is with the Tire Industry Association.

To see if the wheels are worn out, test them yourself at home. It's called the "penny test."

"If you can put a penny in the tire and see the forehead then you know that there's not enough tread," Littlefield explained.

Putting off an oil change can also lead to engine trouble. And keep an eye on belts and hoses to avoid sudden breakdowns. Check to see if they're cracked or soft.

"Put your hand on the belt and turn it over, and what we want to look for is this part of the belt here. If it's shiny or cracked it's time to replace it," John Nielsen demonstrated.

While it may seem obvious, remember: Wiper blades are crucial. But AAA says they're often overlooked. And what started as an inexpensive fix turns into a pricey problem.

"As the blade wears, it can actually start to lay over, allowing the metal part of the blade that you see here to come in contact with the glass and scratch the glass," Nielsen showed us.

Experts say, safety aside, putting off these moves will not save you in the long run. "If you delay maintenance, what could have been a $5 maintenance item can result in $500 worth of damage or $5,000 worth of damage."

Another tip from Triple A? Check your owner's manual. It will have recommended timelines and guidelines for tuning up your car.