Small vehicle maintenance delays lead to big bills
A survey carried out The Motor Ombudsman has revealed the five basic vehicle maintenance tasks most commonly put off by motorists.
According to a survey of independent repairers and dealer workshops, 56% said drivers had put off essential repairs in the last year to save costs.
Of these, 79% reported drivers not having the engine timing belt replaced at the required manufacturer-recommended intervals. The average cost is £600 but delays can lead to repair bills of £5,400 if it leads to engine failure.
Meanwhile, 72% said drivers delayed having engine oil and filter changed, which costs around £150, and 58% reported essential tyre replacements not being done.
A further 49% of vehicle repairers have reported customers delaying fixing a leak, which costs around £355 to rectify, while 39% reported drivers not changing brake pads at an average cost of £266.
Cost of repairs
Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman, said: “As households across the country continue to grapple with the strain on their finances, and an increasing cost of repair when it comes to their car, our research has painted a stark picture of how vehicle maintenance can be left behind to make savings in the short-term, as well as how costs can mount up significantly if small problems are left to escalate into something much more serious.
“Planning ahead to budget for any unforeseen expenses is vital, because neglecting any kind of repairs may not only cause significant long-term damage to vehicles, but also lead owners to breaking the law, and compromising their own safety and that of others – all coming as a result of not acting with the right level of urgency to address concerns.”
