Younger drivers are delaying automotive repairs in an try to economize, a brand new survey suggests.
An RAC ballot of three,102 motorists indicated that 37% of these aged 17-24 are laying aside work to fix their automobiles because the cost-of-living disaster bites.
This might result in “far bigger” payments in future as issues escalate, the motoring companies firm warned.
Some 16% of younger folks surveyed are delaying main repairs, which might embrace changing handbrakes or cracked windscreens.
Minor repairs resembling fixing small oil leaks or changing brake discs are being postponed by 28% of younger drivers.
The ballot urged that 14% of drivers of all ages are skipping repairs in a bid to economize, whereas 9% are having their automobiles serviced much less continuously.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis stated: “Laying aside car repairs or skipping routine servicing are each false economies, however these figures present simply what number of drivers, particularly youthful ones, really feel they’ve to do that to decrease their spending within the face of rising costs.
“The very fact over a 3rd of younger drivers are intentionally delaying getting their automobiles fastened to chop prices is definitely a harbinger of future unwelcome – and presumably far bigger – storage payments.
“Not getting work to a automotive achieved means the probabilities of it letting a driver down shoots up, making it doubtlessly much less secure.”
Mr Dennis expressed hope that the Authorities “completely cabinets its unpopular concept” of halving the frequency of MOTs from yearly to each two years.
Reviews emerged in April that then-transport secretary Grant Shapps urged making the change to avoid wasting folks cash.
Mr Dennis stated: “As the typical age of automobiles on our roads is getting older resulting from fewer folks buying and selling as much as new automobiles, it appears to be like as if lots of them can even be in a poorer general state of restore, which is unhealthy information for everybody utilizing the roads.
“The MOT is the backstop on the subject of making certain all automobiles utilizing the roads are roadworthy.”
A Division for Transport spokesperson stated: “Whereas now we have a number of the most secure roads on the earth, it’s vital drivers take accountability for sustaining their automobiles, making certain they’re secure and roadworthy.”
