AA Charitable Trust Urges Drivers Not to Delay Essential Vehicle Repairs

The AA Charitable Trust is reminding drivers of the importance of timely vehicle maintenance, following new research that highlights a concerning trend. In a survey of 13,481 motorists, more than one in five (22%) admitted postponing repairs flagged during an MOT or routine service due to lack of time. Cost pressures remain the biggest factor, with almost 59% saying they had delayed essential work for financial reasons.

Delaying repairs can allow minor faults to develop into serious — and more costly — issues. Safety-critical components such as brakes, tyres, suspension and steering can deteriorate quickly if not addressed. For example, replacing worn brake pads promptly can prevent damage to the discs, reducing the overall repair cost significantly.

The survey also revealed that nearly half (46%) of drivers would postpone replacing worn tyres or suspension parts. These systems are vital for safe braking, handling and stability, meaning delays can increase risk for both the vehicle’s occupants and other road users.

Edmund King, Director of The AA Charitable Trust, said:

“Every year, thousands of lives are lost or changed forever due to road crashes. Keeping vehicles roadworthy is essential, and acting on the advice of qualified mechanics should be a high priority for anyone who depends on their car.”

In addition to highlighting the importance of regular maintenance, the AA Charitable Trust continues to promote wider road safety through ongoing campaigns, including:

• Belt Up in the Back – raising awareness of the risks of travelling without a seatbelt.
• Rural Young Driver Project – educating young drivers on the unique dangers of rural roads.
• Think Bikes – encouraging motorists to check mirrors and blind spots for cyclists and motorcyclists, with stickers still distributed over a decade on.

At Volkswagen, we echo these safety messages. Staying on top of routine maintenance — and addressing repairs promptly — helps ensure every journey is as safe, efficient and reliable as possible.