One in four Australian motorists delay or stop essential car maintenance services due to the cost of living, according to new Compare the Market research.
In the survey of more than 1,000 Australians, 19% admitted to servicing their cars less often while 4% have stopped getting their cars serviced and cleaned altogether.
When Australians were asked how often they get their car serviced, the second most chosen answer was only when there’s an issue (9%).
Around 22% of drivers also said they clean their cars less often due to the rising cost of living expenses.
According to Compare the Market Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, avoiding essential car maintenance could risk voiding car insurance claims.
Despite the cost of living, Taylor warns that putting off car maintenance isn’t worth it.
“We have all-too-often seen accidents recorded on dash cameras, such as wheels coming off on the highway or a loss of traction in the rain,” he said.
“If it is found that your vehicle, prior to the accident, was not roadworthy, your insurer could potentially deny a claim – potentially leaving you thousands out-of-pocket to pay for your own repairs and repairs of a third party if you are found to be at fault.”
