Motorists declare car servicing is a ‘waste of money’

Almost a fifth of motorists think servicing their car is a ‘complete waste of money’ and have admitted to only doing so when they can afford it, rather than when recommended, research by Manheim Auctions has revealed. As the cost of driving increases, cash strapped motorists are spending their money on legal requirements such as road tax, insurance and the MOT test, with servicing becoming a ‘nice to do’ not a ‘need to do’.
 
These worrying findings also show that over a third of motorists think of their car maintenance skills as poor or very poor, relying on either the garage, their dad or partner for help. Interestingly, 70% of motorists think car maintenance should be incorporated into the driving test to ensure new drivers know how to keep their vehicle safe. The financial cost of neglect isn’t just about avoiding the costs of replacing an engine. A simple task such as making sure you have the correct tyre pressures will save fuel as well as improve safety.
 
“It is so important to keep on top of maintaining your car, not just through annual services and MOTs but checking tyre pressure and tread, oil and water levels and all lights. Not only will it help to keep you safe on the road, it will also ensure you get the best resale price possible for your car when you come to sell it,” commented Craig Mailey, Marketing Director, Manheim Auctions.
 
“We see so many cars come through auction, and the ones that consistently achieve the best price are the ones that have been properly looked after, with a full service history and a good level of maintenance. It might seem like servicing and car maintenance are a waste of money, but in the long run it really will pay off.”