THE HALFORDS 'FRIEND OF THE MOTORIST' STUDY

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HALFORDS FRIEND OF THE MOTORIST STUDY Compromises to keep the car running The recent rise in VAT from 17.5% to 20% has inevitably made it more expensive to purchase new and more fuel-efficient cars, a fact compounded by the increase in fuel prices from July. Add to this the costs of car insurance, maintenance and parking fees and it becomes clear that motorists are being hit where it hurts most - in their wallets. 36+64 36% Over one in three are choosing to visit only those closer to home 18+82 18% Nearly one in five are cancelling days out to visit family and friends Drivers are being forced to make compromises in other areas of their lives in order to cope with the increasing financial demands of owning a car, with one in six (18%) admitting to sacrificing elements of their lifestyle in order to run a car. 20+80 20% One in five are cutting back on other expenditure such as nights out or leisure activities 10+90 10% Car sharing to get to work has become more popular with one in ten saying they have linked up with colleagues for the daily commute It seems this reliance on the car has also had a People were also visiting the supermarket less profound impact on the way people drive, with and doing more big rather than several over nine in ten motorists (92%) admitting to smaller shops100 changing their driving habits – by accelerating more slowly and breaking less harshly - in a bid to save fuel.
HALFORDS FRIEND OF THE MOTORIST STUDY Many take chances One worrying trend from a road safety perspective is the one in twelve (8%) who say they delay carrying out essential car maintenance to save money. Motorists are always looking for cheaper alternatives to keep their cars on the road and it seems that having the car serviced at the dealership is no longer the norm. Nearly three in ten (27%) say that one of the best ways they’ve found to save money is to have their cars serviced at independent garages or reputable garage chains rather than booking them into more traditional and expensive main dealerships. There is evidence that some cash strapped motorists (37%) are carrying out their own simple DIY maintenance. But of this group less than half would attempt basic tasks like changing a defective bulb or wiper blade, topping-up screen-wash or adding coolant to the radiator. Only one in five would undertake anything more challenging like replacing a battery and an even smaller percentage a job like replacing a fan belt. It seems today’s complicated high tech engines are proving too daunting for DIY repairs with some motorists (44%) saying they simply don’t have time or the knowledge to try even the simplest job. Consequently, almost one driver in ten (8%) admits to skipping essential car maintenance in an attempt to save money. A worrying trend given that this is likely to cost more in the long-term due to the potential damage caused to cars by not keeping up with servicing and maintenance. Taken across total car ownership this would mean some one million cars on the road with unsafe tyres and brakes. Of this group: 67+33 47+53 37+63 22+78 18+82 More than two thirds (67%) have failed to meet their crucially important deadlines for annual servicing Nearly half (47%) have not replaced their tyres until the tread is at minimum level or, worse still, even lower and therefore illegal Ignoring worrying noises and instrument panel warning lights (37%) Failing to have brake pads replaced (22%) Delayed the replacement of faulty or defunct bulbs (18%)
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THE HALFORDS 'FRIEND OF THE MOTORIST' STUDY

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