Cost of Motoring is Putting UK Lives at Risk Finds New Survey

LONDON, November 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

British drivers are cutting back on vital motoring checks to help them save money, despite the onset of winter, says major new survey

A new survey of over 2,300 motorists has found many are now risking their lives to save money on their car maintenance costs - 1 in 3 have delayed servicing because of the costs involved and 1 in 5 have put off changing bald tyres, despite the imminent onset of winter's icy conditions.

The survey, for car hire comparator Carrentals.co.uk, questioned drivers across the country on their motoring expenditure in the current financial climate, and also found that over 1 in 10 have now changed their car insurance from comprehensive to third party to help them save money.

60% of drivers questioned said that they don't get their tyres checked in preparation for winter's icy conditions, while over 80% don't get their brakes checked because of the costs involved.

The survey also found that 1 in 10 have delayed changing their brakes/brake pads because of the expense, causing real danger for themselves and other drivers on Britain's roads.

Gareth Robinson, managing director of Carrentals.co.uk, says: "Many people are having to cut back their expenses in the current financial climate, and motoring is one area that can incur hefty costs.  Unfortunately it is also one that can directly affect the safety of not just the driver, but other motorists and road users.

"The past couple of winters have seen treacherous conditions on our roads, so drivers should think carefully about what they cut back on.  Car maintenance and checks are vital at any time of the year, but particularly in the run up to winter.  It's far better to save money by buying fewer clothes or missing a night out, rather than delaying a service or tyre change, which can result in lives being put at risk."

Nearly 1 in 3 drivers questioned said they had changed their car to a model that is cheaper to run over the last two years, underlining the increasing financial pressures faced by many people.  Over 56% also said they have now switched their car servicing from an authorised dealer to a cheaper, independent garage to help them save money.

Rescue cover is also being hit, with 1 in 10 saying they have cancelled their service over the last 12 months, while 3% said they have driven without insurance because they couldn't afford to pay for it when it was up for renewal.

"The survey highlighted just how many people are now trying to cut back on their expenditure," adds Gareth.  "While for many having a car is vital for their daily life, they are increasingly looking for ways to cut back the costs associated with driving, be that safe changes such as buying a more economical vehicle, or the more dangerous cuts in maintenance.  Safety has to be paramount, so we would ask anyone needing to save money to think carefully about where and how they cut their expenses."

The award winning Carrentals.co.uk is the leading car hire comparison site comparing the best deals from up to 50 rental companies, including Alamo, Auto Europe, Budget, Holiday Autos and Sixt.  Travellers can rent a car in over 15,000 locations around the world, including car hire in Tenerife, and car hire in Lanzarote for a winter sun escape.

For more information visit http://www.carrentals.co.uk.  

About Carrentals.co.uk

Carrentals.co.uk was launched in February 2003 and grew to become one of the UK's leading online car hire companies by 2006.

In 2007 the company re-launched its site to create the first major online price comparator in the travel industry. Using the latest technology the Carrentals.co.uk site now searches up to 50 different car hire websites, providing an impartial comparison of the best prices available in over 15,000 locations.

Websites searched include Alamo, Auto Europe, Budget, Ebookers, Hertz, Holiday Autos, Opodo, Sixt and Thrifty, with the Carrentals.co.uk site quickly comparing prices and allowing customers to refine their search by car type.

The Carrentals.co.uk site also features over 5,000 pages of travel information in a mini-guide format.

In 2008 Carrentals.co.uk was voted Best Car Hire Website in the Travolution Awards, and in 2010 it was Highly Commended in the Best Meta-search/Price Comparison category. To book or for further information visit http://www.carrentals.co.uk

SOURCE Carrentals.co.uk