- In the past 12 months, more than two-thirds of UK drivers (68%) admit to neglecting routine car maintenance, such as skipping servicing and delaying tyre checks[1]
- Lack of time is the top reason for skipping maintenance, with 41% saying they were simply too busy, more than double those who blamed cost[2]
- One in five UK drivers admit they’re not confident in spotting illegal car faults[3]
- More than a fifth admit to ignoring a dashboard warning light, the most common cost-saving tactic[4]
- One in 20 UK drivers (5%) spends less than £100 a year on car maintenance[5]
- Uswitch temporary car insurance experts highlight ways drivers can save money on maintenance without compromising safety
Busy lifestyles are forcing many UK drivers to overlook routine car maintenance, reveals new research from temporary car insurance experts Uswitch. Between juggling work, family, and everyday demands, drivers are delaying services and putting off repairs, often prioritising time over money when it comes to looking after their vehicles.
More than two-thirds of UK drivers admit to skipping key car maintenance tasks
In the past 12 months, 68% of UK drivers have skipped or delayed at least one aspect of car upkeep, from essential maintenance such as MOTs (6%) and tyre checks (16%), to day-to-day tasks like washing the car (28%) and replacing windscreen wipers (8%)[1].
Routine servicing (24%) and oil checks (17%) were also cited as some of the more overlooked elements of car maintenance[1]. While not viewed as an essential to some, drivers who forgo oil checks could face bigger problems down the line. Neglecting to replace oil beyond its recommended lifespan can impact engine efficiency, as oil helps to maintain the correct operating temperatures of your vehicle[9].
Lack of time, not cost, is the biggest reason UK drivers delay car maintenance
Busy schedules top the list of reasons for neglecting car upkeep, with 41% of UK drivers citing a lack of time as the main reason for skipping or delaying maintenance in the past year[2]. While time constraints lead the way, nearly a quarter (23%) said they didn’t view maintenance as urgent, which also caused them to delay upkeep[2].
Cost ranks third, with 18% saying money was their primary concern[2]. Meanwhile, 11% simply forgot to arrange upkeep, and 3% struggled to get the appointment required[2].
Only 21% of UK drivers feel very confident in recognising car faults that would make a car illegal to drive
Just 21% of UK drivers say they are very confident in knowing which car faults make a vehicle legally unroadworthy[3]. The majority (59%) are somewhat confident; however, there is a notable gender gap in confidence: men are nearly twice as confident as women when it comes to spotting illegal faults (29% vs. 15%)[3].
Meanwhile, 20% of drivers admit to being either not very confident (16%) or not at all confident (4%) when it comes to identifying issues that render their vehicle unsafe or illegal to drive[3].
60% of UK drivers admit to using cost-saving tactics on their cars in the past year
While listed as the third reason to delay maintenance, 60% admitted to at least one cost-saving behaviour in the past 12 months[4]. The most common cost-cutting move is ignoring dashboard warning lights, as reported by 21% of drivers[4]. This is especially common among younger drivers, with 38% of 25–34-year-olds admitting to ignoring warning lights in the past year, compared to just 5% of those aged 55 and over[4].
Other cost-cutting tactics include skipping an MOT or service (12%), delaying tyre replacements (12%), and buying second-hand or part-worn tyres (10%)[4]. Nearly one in six (16%) drivers even reduce fuel costs by avoiding features like air conditioning, while 10% try DIY repairs to save on garage bills[4].
70% of UK drivers spend £500 or less per year on car maintenance
42% of UK drivers spend between £251 and £500 per year on annual car maintenance[5]. A further 28% spend less than £250 annually, including 5% who say they spend under £100[5].
9% of drivers don’t know how much they spend, suggesting a lack of awareness or planning around vehicle expenses[5].
Felicity Ferguson, temporary car insurance expert at Uswitch, shares her top tips for navigating car maintenance on a budget without compromising safety.
- Prioritise essential checks to avoid fines and accidents.
“Check your vehicle’s brakes, lights, and tyres regularly to ensure safety and legal compliance. To check your car’s lights, turn the ignition on (you may need the engine running), then walk around the vehicle to test all exterior lights. Use a mirror or ask someone to help you check brake and reverse lights.[10].
“For brakes, ensure the pedal feels firm underfoot, the car stops smoothly without pulling or noise, and your vehicle does not pull to the left or the right[11]. A simple 20p coin test helps check tyre tread depth: if the outer rim is hidden when inserted into the tread, you’re above the 1.6mm legal minimum[6]. Falling below this limit could mean fines of up to £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points[6].
- Never ignore warning lights.
“Dashboard warning lights signal urgent safety or mechanical issues, yet 21% of UK drivers admit to ignoring them to save time or money[4]. Brushing off these warnings can lead to costly repairs, breakdowns, and dangerous driving. Drivers who put off essential maintenance may only be worsening issues, leading to expensive repercussions. Getting it checked now is always better than waiting until your car won’t start, or worse, leaves you stranded.
- Keep MOTs and services up to date.
“Skipping MOTs is not only risky but illegal. Driving without a valid MOT can lead to fines of up to £1,000, penalty points, and even vehicle seizure[7]. Delayed servicing can also increase the chance of breakdowns and expensive repairs, where minor issues can escalate into major problems.
- Be wary of DIY repairs without proper knowledge.
“While small tasks like replacing wiper blades are safe to DIY, complex repairs done incorrectly can cause further damage or safety hazards, potentially putting you and others in danger. When in doubt, it’s safer to leave it to the professionals.
- Choose reputable garages and seek multiple quotes.
“Finding a trusted mechanic can make a big difference in both cost and quality of work. Using reputable garages helps ensure repairs are done safely and to a high standard. Don’t feel pressured to go with the first quote; prices can vary significantly, even for the same job. Take the time to shop around, read reviews, and ask for written estimates.
- Keep your car clean to avoid fines and maintain visibility.
“Regularly washing your car isn’t just about looks; driving a vehicle so dirty that it obscures your number plates, lights, or windows can lead to fines. UK law requires that your car remains clean enough to display your registration plates and ensure safe visibility. In serious cases, neglecting your car’s cleanliness could result in a fine of up to £2,500 or even a driving ban[8]”.
For more advice on staying safe behind the wheel while keeping costs down, visit Uswitch.