Urgent warning to millions of drivers cutting costs by not getting cars serviced – as repairs could cost £1,000s
MILLIONS of drivers across the UK are avoiding getting their cars serviced in a desperate bid to save money.
Fixter, an online vehicle repair service, has revealed 8.5million drivers are refusing to repair their motors because of the cost of living crisis.
As road tax, fuel and insurance costs continue to rise motorists are constantly looking to save money where they can.
However, Limvirak Chea, President and Co-founder of Fixter, has warned drivers that they vastly increase the risk of damage and breaking down if they don’t get their vehicles checked.
“Our research shows too many motorists are avoiding critical repairs due to cost,” he said.
Drivers under the age of 24 are most likely to avoid repairing or servicing their cars, according to the study.
The study also suggested that three in four motorists living in London and the Midlands purposefully space out service intervals to save money.
This does help drivers initially, as they see their motoring bills get cheaper.
However, small problems that could have been easily fixed can worsen, potentially costing motorists thousands in the long run.
The most common checks drivers have admitted to ignoring are oil and brake fluids, and replacing worn-out windscreen wipers and timing belts.
Fixter has urged drivers to check their tyres as a basic precaution.
The legal tyre tread for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
Drivers can use the 20p test to check if their tyres are above the legal limit.
Insert the 20p into the tread grooves. If you can’t see the outer band of the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit.
The company also suggests Brits should check their tyre pressures every two weeks or ahead of any long trips as it can improve motorist’s fuel usage and avert high-speed blow-outs.
Finally, Fixter has warned drivers to inspect their windscreens for any chips or cracks.
Motorists found with cracked windscreens which obscure their vision can be fined upwards of £1,000 and receive three penalty points.
A car’s chipped windscreen could easily shatter if it is involved in a crash, which is very dangerous for the driver and other road users.
Brit motorists should also inspect their wiper blades, which could spread water around the screen rather than pushing it away.
It comes after a car expert warned drivers over a little-known rule when carrying out repairs that could land you a £1,500 fine.
And this car mechanic expert revealed a popular motor modification that could damage your vehicle and lead to a huge repair bill.