Safety shock: the hidden costs of skipping car maintenance

Australians are putting off vehicle maintenance and new research reveals exactly what that’s costing drivers on the road.

The data also highlights a disconnect between generations when it comes to servicing and safety.

A YouGov research report, commissioned by Supercheap Auto for National Road Safety Week (17–24 May), explores how different generations manage vehicle upkeep, what’s getting pushed to the back burner – and why – and what that means for the safety of our roads.

Overall, nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of Aussie drivers say they have or would delay or skip routine vehicle maintenance.

Younger drivers (Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X) are more likely than Baby Boomers to report putting off routine maintenance (73 per cent compared to 44 per cent).

Additionally, Baby Boomers are the most likely to have kept up with all routine maintenance and servicing in the past 12 months (84 per cent).

Financial constraints (43 per cent) are the key driver, with a third (32 per cent) of Aussie drivers citing cost-of-living pressures, nearly three in ten (27 per cent) saying the cost of servicing or parts is too high and 7 per cent reporting that they are using their transport budget to cover increased fuel expenses.

This has led younger generations, in particular, to roll up their sleeves and pop the hood to tackle DIY car maintenance.

The research found 87 per cent of younger drivers personally performed at least one basic maintenance check in the past 12 months compared to 78 per cent of Baby Boomers.

Driver Safety Australia Managing Director and Leading Road Safety Advocate Russell White says aside from financial costs, the research highlights the safety costs of not maintaining a vehicle.

He points to data showing that more than two in five (42 per cent) drivers who delay or skip most or all maintenance still report being very confident that their vehicle is roadworthy and safe to drive.

More concerning, nearly half (49 per cent) of Aussie drivers who only deal with their car when something goes wrong say they are very confident in their vehicle’s safety and roadworthiness.

“Confidence doesn’t equal roadworthiness and when basic maintenance is ignored, the risks can be serious — not just for the driver, but for everyone sharing the road,” Mr White says.

“Regular servicing and prompt attention to issues like tyres, brakes and oil levels are essential to keeping vehicles safe and preventing avoidable incidents.

“Cost-of-living pressures are clearly influencing how Australians manage vehicle upkeep, but putting off maintenance can turn a short-term saving into a much bigger financial and road safety cost.

“We know budgets are tight, but we’re urging all drivers to treat vehicle maintenance as a road safety issue, not just a household expense.”

Supercheap Auto Managing Director Ben McConnell says the research highlights how small, affordable actions taken now can prevent far more serious consequences later.

“The findings reveal a growing gap between what drivers know they should do and what they’re actually doing,” he says.

“As everyday expenses continue to climb, many drivers are quietly delaying or skipping routine car maintenance to save money now, without considering the long-term financial and safety costs.

“It’s not just a warning light on the dashboard or an inconvenient flat tyre – putting off car maintenance poses a genuine safety threat to you, your passengers and other road users.”

Supercheap Auto’s network of more than 290 stores Australia-wide offers a range of budget-friendly services, products and expertise to help drivers maintain their vehicles.

These include free battery testing and recharging and affordable in-store diagnostic services, where trained team members scan vehicles and provide trusted advice about repair and maintenance needs.