Garages will be all too familiar with finding a vehicle issue that should have been addressed earlier and has turned into a more serious problem. A recent study by the Motor Ombudsman is the UK has quantified these issues and created a top five of common problems. 

The survey of vehicle repairers across the UK reveals the five most delayed areas of vehicle maintenance by customers when it comes to caring for their car. Top of the list is replacement of  the engine timing belt as the most overlooked area of vehicle maintenance (79%), where an original bill costing hundreds can run into thousands, as manufacturer recommended intervals are missed. 

Close behind is delaying oil changes (72%), followed by not replacing worn tyres (58%), leaving oil leaks unresolved (49%), and shunning brake pad replacements (39%. 

Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said, “As households continue to grapple with the strain on their finances, and an increasing cost of repair when it comes to their car, our research has painted a stark picture of how vehicle maintenance can be left behind to make savings in the short-term, as well as how costs can mount up significantly if small problems are left to escalate into something much more serious.”

Bill added: “Planning ahead to budget for any unforeseen expenses is vital, because neglecting any kind of repairs may not only cause significant long-term damage to vehicles, but also lead owners to breaking the law, and compromising their own safety and that of others – all coming as a result of not acting with the right level of urgency to address concerns.”