Over one million drivers skipped their last vehicle service
- One in 10 drivers do not have an up-to-date service1 for their vehicle and a further one in 20 are unsure when their next service is due
- A quarter of UK drivers, whose car is due a service, didn’t get one because they believed vehicle was “running fine”
- Almost three quarters (73 per cent) of drivers who bought their car second hand chose one with a full-service history, with 40 per cent saying this was a key factor in their choice
New research2 from Green Flag reveals one in 10 UK drivers (1.3 million motorists) don’t have an up-to-date service inspection3 for their vehicle and a further 690,000 drivers (five per cent) are unsure whether their car is due a service. With around 34 million4 cars on the roads in 2024, this means there could be as many as two million vehicles without a current service with potential defects on UK roads.
Regular servicing can help identify potential safety hazards5 such as worn-out brakes and damaged tyres, alongside detecting engine problems, steering issues and electrical malfunctions, to ensure the safety of the driver and other road users. It can also help improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency and prolong the vehicle’s lifespan helping both the environment and generating cost savings in the long run.
There are several reasons why drivers haven’t had their car serviced. A third of UK drivers (33 per cent) said it was due to the cost, while a quarter (25 per cent) felt that their car did not need it as it was “running fine”. Six per cent also felt their car was so old it wasn’t worth it.
Table 1: Main reasons for UK drivers not servicing their vehicle (those whose service is not up to date)
Reason |
Percentage |
I can't afford it |
33 per cent |
I don't think it needs servicing – it’s running just fine |
25 per cent |
I haven't had time to get it serviced |
13 per cent |
I am worried about finding a reliable garage |
12 per cent |
I didn't know there was a schedule to getting my car serviced |
10 per cent |
My car is so old it isn’t worth it |
Six per cent |
Source: Green Flag, 2024
When drivers do get their car serviced, their provider of choice tends to change depending on the age of the vehicle. Dealerships where vehicles were purchased were more popular than independent garages in the first two years (52 per cent vs 28 per cent). Once a car hits five or six years, however - when the warranty is likely to have expired, most drivers go to an independent garage (52 per cent) over a dealer (31 per cent), likely due to costs and not being bound by contractual obligations.
Two thirds of drivers confirmed the main reason they get their cars serviced is to ensure the car’s safety (66 per cent) and over half (55 per cent) wanted to avoid a breakdown. More than a third (35 per cent) also do so to ensure they maintain the potential resale value of their car.
Table 2: The main reasons for UK drivers servicing their vehicle (those who have had their car serviced and it is currently up to date)
Reason |
Percentage |
To ensure that my car remains safe and roadworthy |
66 per cent |
To help avoid my car breaking down |
55 per cent |
To maintain the resale value of my car |
35 per cent |
Because that is what the manufacturer recommends |
24 per cent |
To fulfil obligations under the warranty agreement |
21 per cent |
Source: Green Flag. 2024
Keeping a full-service history is beneficial to owners and potential future buyers and 81 per cent of drivers have a comprehensive record . Data has shown that having a full-service history can increase the resale value of a vehicle by 10-20 per cent5 but it also makes the car more attractive to buyers. Almost three quarters (73 per cent) of drivers who bought their car second hand, bought a car with a full-service history, with two fifths (40 per cent) saying it was a key factor in their choice of buying the vehicle.
Katie Lomas, Managing Director of Green Flag, commented: “To see such a large number of vehicles on the road without being serviced recently is concerning for both drivers and other road users. It can increase the likelihood of breakdowns and accidents, which could be easily avoided by getting it regularly checked by a professional.
“Ensuring your vehicle is kept fully serviced is important for several reasons. Primarily for safety and peace of mind while driving, but also potentially reducing running costs and the likelihood of either a breakdown or experiencing further issues in the long run. Servicing helps to identify problems with a vehicle early and therefore helps to prolong the life span of your car.”
- ENDS -
For further information please contact:
Chelsey Wheeler
Deputy Head of News and Issues
Email: chelsey.wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk
Fleishman Hillard
Email: DirectLineGroupMedia@Fleishman.com or 07482107207
Notes to editors:
1. Car Servicing - A service is a vehicle inspection, guidelines of which are laid out by manufacturers, to help to keep your car in a reliable, safe and fully functioning condition
2. The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2021 UK drivers with use of a car (17+). The data was collected between 30.09.2024 - 02.10.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
3. 33,735,000 cars on UK roads - Vehicle licensing statistics: January to March 2024 - GOV.UK
4. Up-to-date service inspection - How often should you service your car?
5. Source: Car Servicing - What's Included
6. Source: Does service history affect car value?
About Green Flag:
With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).
Green Flag is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com