New research from Green Flag has revealed that a significant number of UK drivers are neglecting essential car servicing.
The survey found that 10% of drivers, equating to approximately 1.3 million motorists, do not have an up-to-date service record for their vehicle. Furthermore, 5% of drivers, or around 690,000 motorists, are unaware of their next scheduled service.
The reasons for this neglect are varied. 33% of respondents cited the inability to afford the cost of servicing as the primary barrier. 25% believed their car was functioning correctly and did not require servicing. Other reasons included lack of time (13%), difficulty finding a reliable garage (12%), and a lack of awareness regarding the recommended service schedule (10%).
The consequences of neglecting car servicing can be significant. Green Flag found that 73% of drivers considered a full service history a crucial factor when purchasing a used car.
Katie Lomas, Managing Director at Green Flag, emphasised the importance of regular servicing for driver safety, peace of mind, and vehicle longevity. She stated that regular servicing helps to identify and address potential issues early on, preventing breakdowns and costly repairs.
Source: Motoring Research
Paul Michell
So my car showed it was due for service in early January 2025. I contacted the dealership – the first booking date for the required service was March 2025. Not only 2 months later but godness nows how many miles over schedule as well. How does this encourage servicing on a timely basis? How does this square with warranty conditions?
Eddie Bamber
The Manufacturers state a specific mileage or yearly interval for car servicing. If you’re approaching one of these, get your car booked in. Don’t wait until you get a ‘service due’ message on your dashboard. This message may not have been reset properly by the garage at your last service, so the ‘service due’ message could be inaccurate and should not be relied upon. A lot of motorists combine their annual service with their M.O.T test. That’s a good way of remembering when your service is due.