Some Of The Top Reasons People Avoid Car Repairs
If you hear weird sounds from your car while driving, something might be wrong. A banging noise could mean a part is loose. If you hear a screech, your car might need more fluids. A squeaky noise when you start the car could mean a belt is worn or loose. If your wheels make a clunking sound, it could be a sign of a bad joint or an unbalanced tire. Your check engine light might come on too. But if these things happen and you’re not rushing to get your car fixed, you’re not alone.
A survey of 2,000 car owners, conducted by One Poll on behalf of Pep Boys revealed some of the top reasons people avoid taking their car into the shop. According to their research, people admit to ignoring their “check engine” light for an average of four months before addressing it. Car owners also revealed that one in five even admitted to putting it off between six and 18 months.
Reasons People Avoid Car Repairs
This may be because almost one-third (32%) will wait “as long as possible” before bringing their car in to get serviced. They found that 39% are likely to wait for an incident or for something to break before even considering bringing their car in for service.
The research also revealed that 35% regret putting their car care off — resulting in unexpected repair fees (39%), emotional stress (22%), and even a roadside emergency (21%). And while the average American feels that preventative car care is important (93%), almost half (48%) said they push back getting their car serviced because of financial constraints.
Prioritizing Car Care
People are prioritizing some things over others, with exterior light issues (11%), window and windshield cracks (9%), and the radio or sound system (3%) ranking at the bottom of the list.
Some people have had their current car for an average of seven years, and 93% own their car, compared to leasing it (7%).
Each year, the average respondent spends more than $400 on car maintenance ($438) and estimates that they’ve spent an astounding $6,272 in total servicing their current car over the years.
To get their car serviced, people are most likely to go to a dealership (31%) or a local mechanic (27%) and the majority (62%) do so every three to six months.
With their other responsibilities, 38% of respondents said caring for their car is a “very high” priority. Despite this, 21% feel like their car is going to break down any day now.
When asked what would cause the most stress if repairs were needed, engine trouble (66%), bad brakes (33%), and fuel system issues (31%) ranked as the top three.
About 26% even admit that their car stresses them out more than their finances or even personal relationships (14%). Only 32% of respondents wished they lived somewhere where a car wasn’t necessary, perhaps because the majority (65%) don’t believe that life would be easier without one.
Take a look at more insights from this study here.
