New research released by breakdown cover provider Green Flag reveals that up to 21 million cars on the roads are faulty and an “ignore the problem” issue is racking up bills in British households.
Drivers are spending an average of £574 per year – a national average of £21.5 billion – on car repairs; and 47% of these repairs could have been cheaper if the issue had been addressed sooner, the research reveals.
According to those surveyed, drivers have an inbuilt “fault filter” – where they stop noticing their car’s issue, thus delaying repair. A third (33%) of drivers say they’ve become de-sensitised to their car’s fault, no longer noticing the issue, while a fifth of drivers (21%) state that even though they still notice their car’s faults, they are no longer annoyed by them. This could prove dangerous, particularly under the new MOT rules which are set to come into effect on 20th May 2018.
Nick Reid, Head of Automotive Technology at Green Flag, commented: “Driving a faulty car is a huge issue. Not only is it dangerous for you, your passengers and other drivers on the road; not getting issues seen to only makes them worse, which means a bigger bill for you.
“This research indicates that many drivers have a ‘fault filter’ and are switching off to the problems before getting them seen to. We are advising that everyone checks their cars with a knowledgeable family member or friend to ensure that they’re running normally and, if they aren’t, that they get them fixed before the problem worsens.”
When asked about getting their car repaired, drivers revealed they wait an average of 10 weeks before they get the issue seen to. More than half (57%) of drivers say repairs are too expensive, 27% say they don’t have the time and 23% say they simply can’t be bothered.
Partners (41%) top the list of the people quickest to point out our car’s faults, followed by parents (25%), children (11%) and friends (10%).
[table id=33 /]
You must be logged in to post a comment.