The RAC has issued a stark warning to thousands of British motorists driving vehicles approximately a decade old, following concerning new data about breakdowns and repair needs.
Alarming Statistics for Older Vehicles
Recent research from the motoring organisation reveals that 39 per cent of drivers with main vehicles around ten years old have experienced their car being off the road for at least one day due to unexpected repairs during the past twelve months.
While approximately one-third of these drivers lost access to their vehicle for just a single day, the majority - 68 per cent - faced more significant disruption, enduring at least two days without transport. Perhaps most worryingly, over ten percent found themselves without their primary vehicle for a week or longer.
The Real Impact on British Drivers
The inconvenience caused by these unexpected repairs cannot be overstated. A substantial 86 per cent of affected drivers described being without their vehicle as inconvenient, with nearly half of this group characterising the experience as "very inconvenient."
Nick Mullender, RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, commented on the findings: "While the cost-of-living crisis has eased to some extent, the average age of cars on the road is now at its highest ever point at 10 years old."
He added: "Keeping a car longer can definitely make sense financially but it doesn't come without risks, especially if you choose to scrimp on servicing, maintenance and repairs."
Prevention and Solutions for Motorists
Mullender emphasised the importance of proactive vehicle care: "Servicing cars at the correct interval and fixing issues as they arise is by far and away the best advice."
He warned of the consequences of neglect: "Those who choose not to are running the financial gauntlet as any issues that are left to get worse often lead to more expensive repairs when they spectacularly go wrong, often resulting in a very unwelcome breakdown."
The research findings correlate with a significant increase in demand for RAC Mobile Mechanics, whose bookings quadrupled to nearly 100,000 last year. This service allows repairs to be completed on customers' driveways, eliminating the need for garage visits and additional transportation arrangements.
Mullender explained this trend: "This is perhaps explained by our research showing that for almost nine-in-10 drivers it's seriously inconvenient to be without a car for any period of time."
The importance of vehicles in daily life was further emphasised in this year's RAC Report on Motoring, which confirmed that eight-in-ten drivers would struggle to manage without access to their car.
For motorists seeking convenient maintenance solutions, Mullender recommended: "Drivers who want to take advantage of having their vehicle serviced or repaired at home or at work to avoid the hassle of having to get to and from the garage should visit the RAC Mobile Mechanics website to make a booking."
