Servicing hit by cost of living

Some owners are skipping maintenance while others are shoring up ageing cars

- JOHN EVANS

Evidence is emerging that as the cost of living increases and used car prices continue to rise, motorists are falling into two camps: those cutting back on vehicle maintenance to save money and others who, unable to replace their cars and fearful of future high repair bills, are having them serviced or repaired without question.

According to a survey of 2000 drivers by VW Financial Services (VWFS), one-third of owners have missed an essential service on their car due to rising living costs and almost half of those under 35 years old have made a journey knowing their car needed essential maintenance.

"The cost of living crisis has left many drivers, and particularly younger ones, contemplating the difficult decision to skip essential vehicle maintenance and compromise safety," said Mike Todd, CEO of VWFS.