A new Saga Car Insurance survey found 82% of Brits worry about the potential cost of their vehicle’s service and experience ‘garage fear’ – a growing anxiety over the rising cost of car servicing. The survey of 501 car owners also revealed 42% have delayed a service because of money concerns.
Saga Car Insurance’s Product Manager Ali Ingram-Seal and Paul Nunn, Retail Director of ETB Autocentres report how drivers are responding to growing cost of living concerns. Paul also reveals how long you can leave a service, his one servicing hack if you’re on a budget, what maintenance you could DIY at home, and what should always be left to the professionals.
Paul Nunn, Retail Director of ETB Autocentres says: “We’ve noticed a rise in customers delaying services due to financial concerns. People are more aware of costs and can be nervous about what a garage visit might reveal.”
Commenting on the survey results, Ali says: “Getting your vehicle serviced can be a significant, but important, expense. A full service can cost anywhere between £180 and £450 depending on its condition, type, size and the garage, so it’s understandable some car owners can feel worried about footing the bill when the time comes.”
How long can you really delay a service?
Paul Nunn, Retail Director of ETB Autocentres
Paul says: “We recommend servicing your vehicle every 12 months or 12,000 miles – whichever comes first.
“Neglecting your service schedule is a bit like skipping health check-ups. You might feel fine, but hidden issues can build up silently.”
Book at least an interim service if you’re on a budget
Paul comments: “If you’re tight on budget, book at least an interim service if you can’t stretch to a full service. Interim services are usually for high-mileage drivers every six months or 6,000 miles to keep everything in good working order. It can cost under £100, but it’s less comprehensive than a full service, and only a temporary safety net that could prevent major costs down the line.”
Skipping a service altogether however could lead to accidents, fines and poor resale value
Over time, key fluids degrade, filters clog, tyres wear unevenly, and braking systems can become compromised. These issues not only increase the risk of vehicle breakdown but can also lead to accidents.
For EVs, neglecting servicing can cause premature battery wear or software glitches to go unchecked.
Ali cautions, “While you won’t be fined simply for missing a service, if your vehicle is found unroadworthy, for example, due to bald tyres or brake failure, you could face fines, penalty points, or prosecution. Additionally, resale value drops dramatically without a full-service history.”
DIY service tips, and what to always leave to the professionals
Paul says: “We’ve seen customers try to “fix” their vehicles, only to cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage. One customer recently tried replacing their own brake pads and didn’t secure them properly, resulting in a total braking failure on the road. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the repair bill was eye-watering.
“That said, some simple habits can prolong component life and keep your vehicle running smoothly. But a professional service is still necessary to spot deeper issues.”
Petrol/diesel engines
DIY:
- Regularly check and top up oil and coolant levels.
- Inspect tyre pressure and tread depth (including the spare). If you can’t see the raised edge of a 20p coin in the grooves of your tyre, it’s likely above the minimum legal limit of 1.6mm. If you can see the raised edge, check you tyres with a professional as they could be illegal and unsafe.
- Replace wiper blades and check lights.
Leave to professionals:
- Avoid attempting DIY brake work, timing belt replacements, or suspension adjustments unless you’re a trained mechanic. These systems are safety-critical, and mistakes can be dangerous.
Electric vehicles
DIY:
- Monitor tyre condition and pressure (EVs are heavier, so tyre wear is often faster).
- Keep the car software updated via the manufacturer’s app or infotainment system.
- Visually check the charging port for any dirt or corrosion.
Leave to professionals:
- Never try to open or repair battery systems yourself. The high-voltage components in electric vehicles can be lethal if mishandled.
- Similarly, software diagnostics or cooling system repairs are not DIY tasks. These must be handled by EV-trained technicians
Paul cautions drivers: “Regular servicing isn’t a luxury, but more of a necessity. It’s not just about keeping your car running but about keeping you safe.”
Ali comments: “If you’re concerned about the potential cost of a service, seek recommendations from friends and family and do some research online to make sure you’re going to a reputable garage with fair prices.”