New tech driving up age of the UK car parc
New technology is driving up the age of the UK car parc, with greater reliability and the gradual switch to electric making motorists to keep their cars for longer.
According to the RAC, the age of the average car on the road had increased to nine years and 10 months by the end of 2024. This is up from seven years and five months at the end of 2015.
Petrol cars had increased to an average age of 10 years and four months while diesel vehicles averaged 10 years and one month. By contrast, pure electrics averaged just two years and six months and hybrids three years and four months.
According to smart repairers Revive!, this suggests petrol and diesel drivers are holding off on buying a new car until there is more certainty around electric vehicle regulations.
Reliability
It also said that improved technology has increased vehicle reliability, meaning drivers are able to retain their cars for longer without fearing mounting repair costs.
The company said: “Vehicles are far more advanced than they have ever been, meaning reliability has improved, as has the refinement, meaning drivers are feeling far less pressured to renew their vehicles as they age.
“While there are still many who jump at the chance to replace their car as soon as the new number plates are released each March and September, these numbers are dwindling.”
