The cost of living crisis has had a big impact on many of us, but shocking data from the RAC has found that 20% of drivers under 44 are breaking their law and putting their safety at risk to save money.
One in ten drivers surveyed admitted they purposely left worn-out tyres on their vehicle, reducing its safety and efficiency, or skipped the legally required MOT. In addition, nearly one in five drivers said they delayed vital repairs or stopped servicing their car due to the cost. That percentage increased significantly for those drivers under 25 years old, with over a third of them admitting to skipping essential work on their car.
The RAC’s study also found that 59% of drivers had faced an unexpected repair cost over the last year, and while a large portion of these were able to cover the additional costs comfortably, 37% (45% for those under 25) struggled to meet the expenses. With the average price of these repairs standing at £617, it’s no wonder so many drivers are tempted to cut costs where they can.
However, while avoiding visiting your mechanic might save some money in the short term, neglecting your car’s health not only puts your life at risk but also increases the risk of a major breakdown. This could leave drivers without a vehicle and facing an even heftier repair bill than a service would have been, so investing in a checkup today can leave more money in your pocket tomorrow.