BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) - When you take your car in for routine maintenance like tire rotations or oil changes, wouldn't it be nice to not have to hand over any cash?  Some customers think so, and they have invested in prepaid maintenance plans with their car dealers or repair shops.  Prepaid maintenance plans vary, but most cover what is listed in your owner's manual as routine, scheduled maintenance.  You essentially front a dealership or repair shop the money and have all of the regular work on your car covered up front.

However, if the idea of fronting a dealer or repair shop sends off red flags, you aren't alone.  Sometimes prepaid plans aren't for everyone and if you don't do your homework, you could spend more in the long run.  According to the Better Business Bureau, these plans are relatively new and you shouldn't feel pressured into purchasing one.  Many dealerships are starting to tack on the popular option at the closing, but experts warn, if you buy the plan you are stuck.  If your repair shop closes, or the work simply isn't done; you will be out the money that you prepayed. 

There can be big advantages to a prepaid plan.  If you do your homework, it is possible to find deals that save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over a period of time.  Some repair shops or dealership will try to wow you with service on the routine maintenance so that you will come back to them for the bigger repairs as well.  In this special report, CBS 42's Leigh Garner investigates if these plans are worth the cash or if you are taking a big risk on a prepaid plan.