GoCompare insurance found that almost one in seven (15%) drivers have put off essential vehicle repairs and servicing because they couldn’t afford them at the time.
The survey of 2,000 UK motorists found that replacing tyres was the repair most likely to be delayed by motorists with brake related problems, mechanical repairs and windscreen repairs also highlighted.
Drivers aged 25-34 were the most likely to delay a repair and service, with over a fifth (21%) admitting to doing so. Drivers aged 55 or older were the least likely to delay car maintenance.
Matt Oliver, car insurance spokesperson for Gocompare.com, said, “If you’re on a tight budget, it can be tempting to delay car maintenance and repairs to save money.
“However, poorly maintained cars can become unreliable, with drivers more likely to break down or contribute to an accident. And while you might think you are saving money in the short term, postponing or avoiding services and repairs may prove more costly in the future.
“Worryingly, our research revealed that nearly a fifth of drivers have put off replacing their tyres. UK law requires you to have a minimum depth of 1.6mm of tread on your car’s tyres. The depth of tread on your tyres makes a big difference to your car’s stopping distance, particularly in wet weather.”