Drivers 'deferring vehicle checks'

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Consumers are cutting back on aspects of their motoring expenditure in response to challenging economic conditions, a study has shown.

The survey by used car guide website Glass's found that motorists were deferring routine vehicle repair, servicing and maintenance jobs.

As many as 46 per cent have deferred some of their car-related expenditure over the past year, including 15 per cent who postponed routine professional car service.

There was even a small percentage of drivers who opted to ignore their car insurance payments, in doing so risking a ban from driving altogether.

A further 8 per cent took the potentially dangerous decision to delay the purchase of replacement tyres, while 15 per cent rescheduled the rectification of bodywork repairs.

Glass's managing director Andy Carroll said: "While it is inevitable that some consumers will respond to deteriorating economic conditions by cutting back on aspects of their motoring expenditure, it is concerning that scheduled services and tyre purchases are being deferred.

"These are crucial for safety, and also have an impact on resale values. Prospective buyers are always more likely to buy a car which has a full service history over one that does not. Moreover, by delaying these important checks and thus missing manufacturer-stated service intervals, motorists are putting warranty cover at risk."

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