September 2006 (Medialink) -- With gas prices skyrocketing, it's important to make sure while you're focused on saving pennies at the pump, you are also making other informed decisions regarding the maintenance of your vehicle. Motorists can avoid extra costs this fall in a variety of ways, from choosing the right type of gas and getting regular oil changes, to making sure your car is properly maintained. The results of a recent survey conducted by Valvoline and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) of the nation's top mechanics shows that 87 percent believe American car owners are putting off routine maintenance, which mechanics believe costs owners twice as much in the long run. In addition, 84 percent of mechanics contend that not getting a regular oil change can cause the most problems for a vehicle, including rising fuel costs. It's no surprise that regular maintenance is important to keeping cars in safe condition and in working order, but how can it help Americans save at the pump? TALENT: Ray Evernham, President and CEO of Evernham Motorsports A former modified driver, Evernham found success in NASCAR racing when he forged a partnership with young driver Jeff Gordon. Under Evernham's leadership and meticulous attention to detail, the duo won 47 NASCAR Winston Cup races and three Winston Cup championships. The wins included two Daytona 500s and the inaugural Brickyard 400.Evernham is in his sixth season at the helm of one of NASCAR's premier racing organizations, With more than 300 employees and four separate facilities, the Evernham Motorsports empire has grown dramatically. For the sixth consecutive year, a Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge from Evernham Motorsports visited victory lane in 2006. In his sixth season overseeing the operation of his race teams, Evernham's lineup includes four-time 2006 race winner Kasey Kahne in the No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger. Through his partnership in Valvoline Evernham Racing, he fields the No. 10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge Charger with Scott Riggs as driver. This year Evernham was voted by the racing media as NASCAR's All-Time Crew Chief. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Produced for Valvoline