Millions of Australians skip car maintenance as costs bite hard

A growing number of Australian drivers are putting off essential car maintenance, with financial strain playing a major role. New figures reveal that 4.3 million adults have delayed or skipped routine servicing in the past year alone. The trend is particularly strong among younger motorists, raising concerns about road safety. Financial pressure is the main reason behind the rise in deferred maintenance. Around 64% of drivers admit they have postponed or would postpone servicing due to cost concerns. For many, like 75-year-old retiree Barry Devine, the decision comes down to balancing budgets amid rising living expenses.

Scheduled logbook services are the most frequently delayed task across the country. Yet the consequences are already showing—one in three drivers have faced car troubles in the last 12 months that could be linked to missed servicing. Worryingly, 659,000 Australians continue driving vehicles they know have safety issues. The problem is worsened by Australia’s ageing car fleet. Older vehicles often need more frequent upkeep, but many owners are struggling to keep up. In total, 1.1 million drivers skipped most or all servicing in the past year. Meanwhile, 3.2 million people now have doubts about whether their car is fully roadworthy.

The data highlights a clear link between financial stress and car maintenance habits. With millions of vehicles potentially unsafe on the roads, the issue affects not just drivers but all road users. Experts warn that without intervention, the trend could lead to more breakdowns and accidents in the future.