Millions of motorists across the United Kingdom could find themselves suddenly unable to drive as a direct result of neglecting essential vehicle maintenance, according to a stark new warning from motoring experts.
The RAC has issued a serious alert, stating that drivers who ignore developing issues with their cars are effectively 'running the financial gauntlet', risking both their wallets and their mobility.
The Scale of the Problem
Fresh research conducted by the RAC uncovers a widespread issue. The data shows that in the last year alone, almost four in 10 drivers have been forced to take their vehicle off the road for more than a day due to unexpected and unplanned repairs.
This situation is compounded by the increasing age of the UK's car fleet. With the average vehicle now older than 10 years, the likelihood of components failing and requiring urgent attention is significantly heightened.
Impact on Daily Life
The disruption caused by these sudden breakdowns varies in length but is almost universally inconvenient.
- Over a third of affected drivers were without their vehicle for no more than a single day.
- More than two-thirds of people surveyed endured two or more days without their car.
- A significant 13 per cent of motorists faced the most severe disruption, being left without their primary transport for a week or longer.
The study found that an overwhelming majority described being without their car as an inconvenience, with 45 per cent labelling the experience as 'very inconvenient'.
Expert Advice for Drivers
Nick Mullender, the mobile servicing and repairs team leader at the RAC, offered clear guidance. He acknowledged that 'keeping a car longer can definitely make sense financially' but cautioned that this strategy is not without significant risks, particularly if owners cut corners on essential upkeep.
'Servicing cars at the correct interval and fixing issues as they arise is by far and away the best advice,' Mr Mullender stated.
He reinforced the initial warning, explaining that by postponing necessary work, drivers are taking a major gamble. A minor, affordable issue today can quickly escalate into a catastrophic failure tomorrow, leaving the motorist off the road for a 'spectacularly wrong' and much longer period.
The critical importance of the private car was underlined by the RAC's own Report on Motoring, which confirms that eight-in-10 drivers would find it difficult to manage their daily lives without access to their vehicle.
