Expense of Driving in UK Putting Lives at Risk, New Carrentals.co.uk Survey Shows

A new survey conducted by leading online comparator Carrentals.co.uk has talked to over 2,300 drivers from around Britain and found that many are neglecting important car maintenance prior to winter because of money difficulties.

Those interviewed revealed that almost 1 in 3 chose to postpone vehicle servicing, while 1 in 5 opted not to buy new tyres in place of balding ones despite the fact that winter is just around the corner. Drivers are also cutting back on insurance cover, with 1 in 10 downgrading their coverage from comprehensive insurance to third party.

The numbers indicate that Britain’s roads could be even more dangerous this winter. The survey also showed that 6 in 10 respondents don’t bother to check the condition of their tyres, and 8 in 10 don’t check their brake pads. This year, 10% of those interviewed put off replacing worn brake pads because they didn’t have spare cash.

Gareth Robinson, managing director of Carrentals.co.uk, says: “The current economic downturn is affecting everyone, forcing many in the UK to cut back on essential services like vehicle maintenance in a bid to keep within their budget. But some things simply shouldn’t be neglected, as it affects other motorists as well.

“The last couple of winters in Britain have been particularly nasty, and this year could be just as bad. As the winter fast approaches, it’s more important than ever to check your vehicle and replace tyres and brakes if they are worn out. No one likes to pay for maintenance but the cost of dealing with a bad accident are far worse.”

The survey by Carrentals.co.uk discovered that some Brits are even downgrading their cars. Nearly 35% bought a cheaper vehicle over the last two years hoping to cut costs of fuel and repairs. More than half of respondents admitted to changing from an authorised car dealer to private garages for service, while 10% chose to cancel their rescue cover. Incredibly, 3% are even driving with insurance of any kind.

“When the results of our latest survey were tallied I was surprised to learn just how many Brits are feeling forced to cut back on maintaining their cars,” adds Gareth. “A vehicle is a vital part of almost everyone’s lives, but the truth is they are rather expensive to upkeep. We are strongly suggesting that all drivers give priority to keeping their cars in proper condition. Not just for themselves but for all the other drivers out there on the roads this winter.”

The award winning Carrentals.co.uk is the leading car hire comparison site comparing the best deals from up to 50 rental companies, including Alamo, Auto Europe, Budget, Holiday Autos and Sixt. Travellers can rent a car in over 15,000 locations around the world, including car hire in Tenerife, and car hire in Lanzarote for a winter sun escape.

For more information visit www.carrentals.co.uk./ends.

About Carrentals.co.uk:

Carrentals.co.uk was launched in February 2003 and grew to become one of the UK’s leading online car hire companies by 2006.

In 2007 the company re-launched its site to create the first major online price comparator in the travel industry. Using the latest technology the Carrentals.co.uk site now searches up to 50 different car hire websites, providing an impartial comparison of the best prices available in over 15,000 locations.

Websites searched include Alamo, Auto Europe, Budget, Ebookers, Hertz, Holiday Autos, Opodo, Sixt and Thrifty, with the Carrentals.co.uk site quickly comparing prices and allowing customers to refine their search by car type.

The Carrentals.co.uk site also features over 5,000 pages of travel information in a mini-guide format.

In 2008 Carrentals.co.uk was voted Best Car Hire Website in the Travolution Awards, and in 2010 it was Highly Commended in the Best Meta-search/Price Comparison category. To book or for further information visit www.carrentals.co.uk

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