Financial considerations and time pressures are still causing motorists to put off vehicle maintenance according to a new survey by a leading UK dealer group.

The Evans Halshaw commissioned study found that, 52% of drivers admitted to typically putting off car maintenance, with 62% of these drivers saying cost was the primary reason. Perhaps surprisingly more women than men said they had put of garage visits with 56% of women and 47% of men admitting to delaying car care.

47% of those delaying maintenance said time was a key factor, finding it difficult to fit in a service or repair around other commitments. 24% said lack of mobility while the car was in the garage was a key issue. Interestingly almost a third of people putting off maintenance (32%) said it was because they were uncertain how to find a reasonably priced trustworthy garage.

Younger drivers found the time factor to be more important, while older drivers over 65 were particularly concerned about cost and finding a garage they can trust. However, it was older drivers who were generally least likely to delay maintenance of their car.

Evans Halshaw believes that spreading the cost of maintenance with a monthly service plan is one way to address many of these concerns. It also says clear cost information on their website and an online booking facility had proved very popular.