Too poor to fix your car?
New research reveals urgent repairs we're skipping because of the cash crunch – and the trap is bigger than you think.
Car tyres balding but your bank account's too empty to replace them right now? You're not alone.
45% of Australians have skipped vehicle repairs because they haven't got enough cash, a new survey by Finder reveals.
That's 9 million folks who are driving a sub-optimal car right now.
And the problem isn't just that you're potentially going to get stuck behind a lemon in traffic.
"There are hidden risks to not keeping your car maintained," explains Finder's insurance expert James Martin.
"Your car warranty's at risk if you don't follow its maintenance schedule."
"Also, you could be denied a car insurance claim if a car was found to be poorly maintained.
"An example would be letting the tread depth of your tyres fall below the legal minimum of 1.5mm."
Skipping services might not save you money long-term.
Martin added: "The same is true of insurance. For instance, roadside assistance can cost from around $6 per month, but that's far less than towing costs if your car breaks down."
| Car service | 25% |
| Scratches or physical damage to the car | 8% |
| Bald tyres | 5% |
| Windscreen repair | 4% |
| Speakers or radio system | 2% |