Young drivers in the UK are postponing essential car repairs due to the cost of living crisis, according to a survey by the RAC. The breakdown provider found that 37% of drivers under 24 are delaying repairs to reduce expenses, with 16% putting off major fixes and 28% delaying minor ones.
Niki McGrath, a 23-year-old from Runcorn, told BBC Newsbeat she waited six months to take her Renault Clio to a garage because she was "just scared to know" how much a repair would cost. "I can barely afford to get petrol," she said. "As long as I can put off getting it fixed, I will."
The RAC's Rod Dennis warned that rising prices could lead to more cars in poor condition on the roads, which is "bad news for everyone." He added: "Not getting work to a car done means the chances of it letting a driver down shoots up, making it potentially less safe."
Tom O'Neill, who runs Warrington Autocare in Leigh, said he has noticed customers holding back on repairs. "People don't want to put as much money in their cars as they used to," he said. "They're doing the bare minimum just to keep the cars on the road."
The government is considering changing compulsory MOTs from once a year to once every two years, but both Tom and the RAC oppose the proposal. A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "While we have some of the safest roads in the world, it is vital drivers take responsibility for maintaining their vehicles, ensuring they are safe and roadworthy."
