Avoiding regular car servicing a false economy, warns HiQ

A motorist survey conducted by HiQ shows economic factors are prompting 32 per cent of drivers to opt out of regular vehicle servicing. This is, admittedly, four per cent less than a similar survey taken by the fast fit network a year ago, yet HiQ manager Stuart Car points out that “while the initial outlay for a car service might be off-putting for some drivers, the implications of not taking one will hit the pocket harder in the long run.”

The company estimates that motorists could end up paying more than double the cost of its most economical service option – currently £99 – if they fail to take their cars for an annual check-up. “Relying on the MOT has been how a lot of motorists have been judging their vehicle performance,” Carr explains. “This has meant that we are seeing a lot more vehicles arriving with major faults and minor faults that would have been picked up on a normal service. Above all of this, people are putting their own safety in jeopardy if they are aren’t taking their car service, as a fault may arise which is not picked up for weeks or even months, before the MOT is due.”