The growing financial burden is leaving many people questioning the affordability of maintaining their cars, and younger drivers, in particular, are feeling the heat. As vehicle repairs become more frequent and costly, some drivers are opting to skip regular servicing altogether, potentially jeopardising their safety in the process.
Vehicle Repairs: A Growing Concern
According to a survey by the RAC, two-thirds of UK motorists have had to pay for an unexpected car repair in the past year. This is a marked increase from the previous year’s figures, where 59% of drivers reported similar issues. With the average repair cost now £650, many are finding it difficult to manage the unexpected outlay. Even more concerning is that 75% of drivers admitted they would struggle to pay such a bill, with 40% of them stating they would find it difficult to pay anything over £500.
Tyres are the most common source of surprise costs, with over half of respondents (54%) citing tyre repairs or replacements as their biggest concern. This is not only because tyres can be expensive, but because faulty tyres can lead to significant legal penalties, with fines potentially reaching £10,000 if the tyres are found to be substandard during an MOT test. Other frequent repair issues include brake repairs, suspension faults, and problems with 12-volt batteries.
The reality is that regular car servicing could help drivers avoid such costs in the long run. Experts suggest that maintaining a vehicle through scheduled servicing and tackling smaller repairs early is far more cost-effective than waiting for a larger, more expensive repair down the line.
Nick Mullender, RAC Mobile Servicing and Repairs Team Leader, emphasised that “Looking after a car by having it serviced at the correct intervals and getting repairs carried out in good time, generally works out far cheaper than having to get a more major repair carried out in a hurry.“
Financial Strain Hits Younger and Older Drivers
The issue of expensive repairs is not confined to any one age group. While younger drivers are especially vulnerable, with 57% of those under 25 admitting they would struggle to pay a bill of £500, the older demographic is also feeling the strain. Drivers aged 45 to 64 and those over 65 have experienced an increase in concern over the last year, with many fearing rising costs associated with maintaining older vehicles. The average age of cars on the road in the UK has now reached a record high of 10 years, and as vehicles age, they are more likely to require repairs, adding further financial pressure on drivers.
In response, some motorists have resorted to drastic measures to avoid the high cost of repairs. Over 10% of people surveyed admitted they were having their cars serviced less frequently than in previous years, and 5% confessed to forgoing vehicle servicing altogether. Instead, they are relying solely on their annual MOT test to identify any potential issues. While this might seem like a cost-saving strategy, it could lead to more severe and expensive problems down the line.
The combination of rising repair costs, increasing vehicle ages, and limited service options is creating a perfect storm for drivers, forcing many to make difficult decisions about how best to maintain their cars. As winter approaches and the risk of further breakdowns increases, the financial pressure is likely to continue.
