Cost of Motoring is Putting UK Lives at Risk Finds New Survey

LONDON, November 18, 2011 -

A new survey of over 2,300 motorists has found many are now risking their lives to save money on their car maintenance costs - 1 in 3 have delayed servicing because of the costs involved and 1 in 5 have put off changing bald tyres, despite the imminent onset of winter’s icy conditions.

The survey, for car hire comparator Carrentals.co.uk, questioned drivers across the country on their motoring expenditure in the current financial climate, and also found that over 1 in 10 have now changed their car insurance from comprehensive to third party to help them save money.

60% of drivers questioned said that they don’t get their tyres checked in preparation for winter’s icy conditions, while over 80% don’t get their brakes checked because of the costs involved.

The survey also found that 1 in 10 have delayed changing their brakes/brake pads because of the expense, causing real danger for themselves and other drivers on Britain’s roads.

Gareth Robinson, managing director of Carrentals.co.uk, says: “Many people are having to cut back their expenses in the current financial climate, and motoring is one area that can incur hefty costs.  Unfortunately it is also one that can directly affect the safety of not just the driver, but other motorists and road users.

“The past couple of winters have seen treacherous conditions on our roads, so drivers should think carefully about what they cut back on.  Car maintenance and checks are vital at any time of the year, but particularly in the run up to winter. Safety has to be paramount, so we would ask anyone needing to save money to think carefully about where and how they cut their expenses.”

Nearly 1 in 3 drivers questioned said they had changed their car to a model that is cheaper to run over the last two years, underlining the increasing financial pressures faced by many people.  Over 56% also said they have now switched their car servicing from an authorised dealer to a cheaper, independent garage to help them save money.

Rescue cover is also being hit, with 1 in 10 saying they have cancelled their service over the last 12 months, while 3% said they have driven without insurance because they couldn’t afford to pay for it when it was up for renewal.

Rachel Builder & Jenny White, Context, T: +44(0)1625-511966, F: +44(0)1625-511967, carrentals at contextpr.co.uk, www.contextpr.co.uk