Youth Drivers Skimp on Car Repairs Amid Cost-of-Living Squeeze
More than a third of young drivers aged 17 to 24 (37%) are putting off vital car repairs to save cash, a shocking new RAC survey reveals. The cost-of-living crisis is forcing these motorists to delay everything from handbrake fixes to windscreen replacements.
Minor and Major Repairs Falling by the Wayside
- Nearly 1 in 6 (16%) of young drivers are delaying major fixes like brake replacements and cracked windscreens.
- Over a quarter (28%) are ignoring minor repairs, such as fixing oil leaks or replacing brake discs.
- Young drivers are more than twice as likely as average motorists (14%) to dodge repairs.
- Drivers with older cars (10+ years) and city dwellers are also putting off work, with 19% and 25% respectively delaying fixes.
Repair Skipping Beats Cheaper Insurance or Less Servicing
Surprisingly, drivers cutting costs are more likely to skip repairs than to reduce servicing or switch to cheaper insurance. Only 9% admit to servicing less often, and 13% say they’ve switched insurers, compared to 14% dodging repairs.
Regional Differences and Breakdown Cover Cuts
Motorists in East Anglia and London are slashing motoring expenses harder than those in Scotland, Yorkshire, and the South East. Breakdown cover is the least targeted, with just 3% cutting back. However, 6% of young drivers admit to reducing breakdown cover to save money.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis warned: “Putting off repairs or skipping servicing might save money now but spells bigger bills and safety risks later. With cars getting older on our roads, this trend is bad news all round. We urge the Government to scrap plans to relax MOT frequency – yearly checks are crucial to keep vehicles roadworthy. Rising prices hit all parts of motoring costs, so staying on top of maintenance is the only safe bet. Our Mobile Mechanics scheme in the West Midlands helps drivers get affordable repairs at home or work, cutting hassle and bills.”
