New research suggests motorists lose up to 565 hours of their lives dealing with car-related admin and maintenance planning. A survey of 2,000 drivers revealed they spend the equivalent of a full day each year pondering over service schedules, MOTs, and potential issues — time they said could be better spent elsewhere.
In the past year, drivers reported having to change plans for an average of four events due to unforeseen car problems. Moreover, over six in ten have missed significant occasions because they were unable to get there.
The study was commissioned by BMW, who offer a Proactive Care service aimed at reducing time spent worrying about vehicle upkeep. This service uses real-time vehicle data to alert drivers to potential issues before they escalate. To promote awareness, BMW crafted a clock into the sand of Black Rock Sand's beach using car tyres, symbolising the valuable hours that could be saved.
BMW Group UK spokesperson Werner Pagenstert commented: "Time is the ultimate luxury and shouldn't be lost to car admin or unplanned maintenance. Smart technology can help drivers reclaim those 565 lost hours and spend more time doing the things that matter most to them."
The burden of admin significantly impacts enjoyment, with 68 per cent of motorists stating they would enjoy driving more if they had greater peace of mind. Nearly half of drivers claim motoring admin occupies valuable mental space. A majority still depend on traditional methods, with over half using diaries to manage service schedules.
When questioned about how they'd prefer to use saved time, a third said they'd read more, 32 per cent would prioritise exercise, and a quarter would book a holiday. BMW Proactive Care has partnered with Seren Collection hotels in Wales to offer a chance to win a two-night luxury stay.
