The online vehicle repair quote service Fixter has found that 8.5 million drivers are not getting their car serviced in order to save money.
As the cost-of-living crisis drives up the cost of insurance, road tax and fuel, almost all motorists are looking for ways in which they can cut the price of running a vehicle.
However, Limvirak Chea, President and Co-founder of Fixter, warned that not getting a vehicle serviced could vastly increase the risk of damage and breaking down.
He explained: “At Fixter, we aim to make car maintenance hassle-free and affordable for all drivers, but our research shows too many motorists are avoiding critical repairs due to cost.
“We want to help improve the experience of drivers in the UK and empower them to keep their vehicles properly maintained by offering fair and transparent pricing, keeping themselves and others safe on the road.”
According to a study conducted by the company, drivers under the age of 24 are the most likely to leave their car unmaintained, whilst three in four motorists living in London and the Midlands spacing out service intervals to save money.
Whilst doing this can initially help drivers make their motoring bills cheaper, any small issues that could easily be rendered during the service could worsen, potentially costing thousands to put right in the long run.
Some of the most common checks that drivers admitted to neglecting include replacing worn-out windscreen wipers, fluids such as oil and brake fluid and timing belts.
Whilst there are many factors to remember when getting a vehicle maintained, Fixter reminded drivers that they should remember to check the tyres.
First, the treads must be above the minimum depths of 1.6mm in order to effectively sweep away any water to maintain a good grip on the roads.
In addition, drivers should check the pressure of their car’s tyres every two weeks or ahead of any large trips, which can help to prevent high speed blow-outs and improve fuel economy.
The company also suggested that drivers should closely inspect the windscreen of their car for any chips or cracks.
Not only can damage quickly increase, reducing visibility, it could very easily shatter if the vehicle is involved in a crash, running the risk of even worse harm to the occupants and other road users.
Drivers should also inspect the wiper blades, which could spread water around the screen rather than pushing it away.
