Two thirds (64 per cent) of UK motorists are reducing their vehicle usage to cut fuel bills, according to research by BookMyGarage.com.
The study on the impact of the cost-of-living crisis by the MOT, servicing and repairs comparison site explored how motorists are cutting expenditure as millions of drivers feel the financial pinch.
Revealing the extent of the caution among UK drivers, the survey showed that as well as using their cars less, nearly half (49 per cent) of the motorists surveyed are also driving more economically to save fuel.
The survey comes as the UK is tipped to enter a recession in 2023. While the UK’s CPIH inflation rate dipped slightly to 8.8 per cent in January 2023, it remains at levels not seen for 30 years, impacting most aspects of running and maintaining a vehicle.
Motorists are also making savings elsewhere, meaning the UK’s car parc of vehicles might not be looking as pristine as usual. Over a quarter of drivers (28.4 per cent) said they are putting off cosmetic repairs, whilst many (27.4 per cent) are also cleaning their car less frequently to save money.
Jessica Potts, Head of Marketing at BookMyGarage.com, said: “The impact of the financial situation in the UK is making itself felt when it comes to expenditure on car running and maintenance costs. For millions of families, fuel bills are a significant part of the monthly budget, and when petrol and diesel prices are still so high, cutting usage can make a real difference.
“Reducing annual mileage by just 10 per cent – or 1,000 miles – could save hundreds of pounds in fuel bills. We understand the strain many are under and while cutting fuel bills is a money saver, we wouldn’t recommend cutting corners on car maintenance as it can lead to bigger bills in the long term.”
