Drivers are being encouraged to stay on top of vehicle upkeep, as new research reveals that many continue to put off essential repairs. A recent AA survey of 13,481 drivers shows that more than one in five (22%) admitted they had postponed repairs identified during an MOT or routine check because they were short of time. Cost remains the biggest barrier, with nearly three in five (59%) saying they had deferred important maintenance for financial reasons.
Putting off repairs can make faults significantly more dangerous and more expensive. Safety-critical components such as brakes and tyres can deteriorate rapidly if attention is delayed; for example, drivers who replace worn brake pads before they fail completely can avoid having to replace the discs as well, cutting the repair bill by around two-thirds.
The survey also found that almost half (46%) of respondents would delay replacing worn tyres or suspension parts. Tyres, brakes, steering and suspension are fundamental to a car’s ability to stop and handle safely, so neglecting them places both occupants and other road users at risk.
Edmund King, Director of The AA Charitable Trust, said: “Every year, thousands of lives are lost or changed forever due to road crashes. The AA Charitable Trust is committed to making our roads safer, and we can do that by making sure drivers have the knowledge to keep their vehicles roadworthy and by acting promptly on the advice given by their mechanic. After regular household bills, for those who rely on their car, the safety of their vehicle, its occupants and other road users should be high on their list of priorities.”
The Trust continues to spread its wider road safety messages through several campaigns. “Belt Up in the Back” highlights the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt, particularly among young passengers. Its rural young driver project focuses on the risks associated with country roads, supported by a grant from the Road Safety Trust. Meanwhile, the long-running Think Bikes campaign encourages drivers to look out for cyclists and motorcyclists, with mirror stickers still being distributed more than a decade after the initiative began.