Millions of Australians risk safety by skipping essential car maintenance

A new report reveals that millions of Australians are putting off essential car maintenance. Over the past year, 4.3 million adults delayed or skipped routine servicing, with many admitting they continue driving despite known safety issues. Financial pressure appears to be the main reason behind the trend. The figures show a worrying pattern across the country. One in three drivers experienced problems that could be linked to missed servicing in the last 12 months. Of these, 659,000 people kept using their vehicles even after noticing safety faults.

Scheduled logbook services are the most frequently delayed task nationwide. In total, 1.1 million Australians confessed to skipping most or all servicing in the past year. Meanwhile, 3.2 million now question whether their car is truly roadworthy. The issue varies by region and age. Drivers in Victoria and New South Wales are the most likely to postpone maintenance. South Australians, however, report the least confidence in their vehicle’s condition. Younger motorists, particularly Gen Z, are the group most likely to ignore servicing altogether. Cost is the biggest factor, with 64% of Australians admitting they would delay or have delayed maintenance due to financial strain.

The findings highlight a growing concern over vehicle safety on Australian roads. With millions driving cars they suspect may be unsafe, the risk of accidents linked to poor maintenance rises. Financial difficulties remain the primary barrier to keeping vehicles in proper working order.