Two thirds of motorists look to cut vehicle usage due to the cost of living crisis
New research shows most drivers (64%) are planning to restrict car usage to minimise fuel bills
Motorists are also saving fuel by driving more economically, according to the survey
As well as cutting fuel bills, more than a quarter of drivers are avoiding cosmetic repairs and not cleaning their car as frequently
However, vehicle upkeep can be more affordable when shopping around, says BookMyGarage.com
Two thirds (64%)1 of UK motorists are reducing their vehicle usage to cut fuel bills, according to new research by BookMyGarage.com.
The study on the impact of the cost of living crisis by the MOT, servicing and repairs comparison site explored how motorists are cutting expenditure as millions of drivers feel the financial pinch.
Revealing the extent of the caution amongst UK drivers, the survey showed that as well as using their cars less, nearly half (49%)2 of the 2,113 motorists surveyed are also driving more economically to save fuel.
The survey comes as the UK is tipped to enter a recession in 2023. While the UK’s CPIH inflation rate dipped slightly to 8.8%3 in January 2023, it remains at levels not seen for 30 years, impacting most aspects of running and maintaining a vehicle.
Motorists are also making savings elsewhere, meaning the UK’s car parc of vehicles might not be looking as pristine as usual. Over a quarter of drivers (28.4%) said they are putting off cosmetic repairs, whilst many (27.4%) are also cleaning their car less frequently to save money.
Jessica Potts, Head of Marketing at BookMyGarage.com, said: “The impact of the financial situation in the UK is making itself felt when it comes to expenditure on car running and maintenance costs. For millions of families, fuel bills are a significant part of the monthly budget, and when petrol and diesel prices are still so high, cutting usage can make a real difference.
“Reducing annual milage by just 10% – or 1,000 miles – could save hundreds of pounds in fuel bills. We understand the strain many are under and while cutting fuel bills is a money saver, we wouldn’t recommend cutting corners on car maintenance as it can lead to bigger bills in the long term.
“We recommend shopping around for the best prices locally, and if drivers think their car is in need of a professional inspection, we’d encourage them to use our 17-point Winter Health Check free of charge at participating garages.”
The analysis comes after BookMyGarage.com reported in December that one-in-three motorists say they are likely to delay or skip having their vehicle serviced in the next 12 months due to increasing financial pressures.
With almost half (43%) of the surveyed motorists stating that they are shopping around to save money on their vehicle’s maintenance, BookMyGarage.comenables drivers to easily compare instant prices from their local garages. On average in 2022, motorists paid £34.96 for an MOT test booked through BookMyGarage.com – representing a saving of 35% over the government-set maximum price of £54.85.