Skipping a service or repair can feel like a quick win when money is tight. Plenty of drivers, especially younger ones, see it as a way to save in the moment, but breaking down the long-term numbers tells a very different story. If a driver chooses to put off a job today, it means that it’s likely to cost them far more down the line.
It’s a common problem, too, with estimates that 1.3 million UK motorists are driving without an up-to-date car service. Over a third of people in their mid-twenties to early thirties also admit to skipping a service. That figure drops to roughly 1 in 7 in drivers over the age of 65. But why are young drivers delaying car repairs, and how can they avoid them?
What’s Driving the Delay in Young Driver Repairs?
When you look into the data, the same three reasons for delaying car repairs crop up time and again.
Car Repair Costs
This is by far the biggest factor. Most young people don’t have a car repair fund to dip into for preventative maintenance, which leads to them risking it by pushing back a service or so-called ‘amber work.’ This is an area where flexible car repair finance solutions like Payment Assist can make a huge difference. Find out more here.
Hassle & Inconvenience
RAC polling found that over a quarter of drivers say servicing and repairs are too much of a faff. It means losing your car for a day or two, and organising alternative transport to work or uni, as well as potentially rearranging childcare.
Lack of Understanding
MOT rules have changed of late, and plenty of young drivers admit that they’re not sure what needs doing and when. Some wait until the dashboard lights up or the car fails an MOT before sorting anything. By then, a small job has often turned into a big one.
What Happens When You Delay Car Repairs?
A car doesn’t fix itself. Miss out on car servicing or ignore a minor fault, and you’ll usually end up with something much worse. Tyres are a good case in point here, and it’s an even more prominent issue as Britain’s pothole problem continues to worsen.
Only 39% of UK drivers know the legal tread depth (which is 1.6mm), and over 2 million MOT failures happen every year because of tyre defects, which makes them the most common reason for failure in the UK. Half of these are classified as dangerous.
To counteract this, TyreSafe launched a young driver campaign to raise awareness of the issue. They’ve highlighted some important key messages, like the fact that just two illegal tyres can bring a six-point penalty loss and a huge fine. For younger motorists, this can mean starting again from scratch.
TyreSafe are also encouraging people to look out for early warning signs like low tread or poor inflation. The aim is to give drivers, parents, schools, and instructors the tools to build safer habits and avoid high car repair costs and legal penalties.
How Young Drivers Can Stop Car Repair Costs Escalating
As we’ve already mentioned, nipping any minor jobs and car servicing in the bud is crucial. Beyond that, there are some easy regular checks that motorists can do to minimise the chance of expenses snowballing.
TyreSafe recommends the ACT check for tyres (that’s: Air pressure, Condition, and Tread). Try to do it once a month, or whenever you fuel up. It takes a minute or two, and can prevent an MOT failure or worse.
There are also online MOT reminders that drop you a text or email to stop you forgetting your MOT date. Then, once your car’s being checked, it’s important to listen to the advisories. If your mechanic flags something with you, deal with it sooner rather than later if you want to save money in the long run.
A Quick Checklist for Younger Drivers
- Don’t skip regular car servicing, even if money feels tight.
- Watch for small faults and sort them early.
- Do the ACT check on your tyres once a month.
- Use MOT reminders and don’t ignore advisories.
- Ask garages about collection or mobile services to avoid hassle.
- If you can’t afford a bill, split the cost with car repair finance.
Need to Spread Your Car Repair Costs Without Delaying?
Young driver repairs don’t need to knock you off the road. With Payment Assist, you can split car repair costs into monthly instalments. The first payment is made at the garage when the work’s done, and the rest are split with no interest, set-up fees, or catches.
Our platform is helping people with repairs and car servicing across the UK; it’s already in use at thousands of trusted garages. Use our merchant finder to locate your nearest garage offering Payment Assist, and get essential work done straight away without the financial strain. If you’ve got any questions, feel free to get in touch with our team today.
FAQs
How often should I book car servicing in the UK?
Every 12 months or 12,000 miles is the rule of thumb, whichever comes first.
Are young driver repairs usually more expensive?
Not always, but newer drivers can face higher car repair costs if they buy older cars that need extra care.
Can delaying car repairs affect resale value?
Yes, missing service history or visible wear will lower the price when selling or part-exchanging your car.
How do I know if my car needs repairing?
Unusual noises, dashboard warnings, vibrations, or changes in handling often point to underlying problems.
