Americans admit to ignoring their “check engine” light for an average of four months before addressing it, according to new research.
A new survey of 2,000 American car owners revealed that one in five (20%) even admit to putting it off between six and 18 months.
This may be because almost one-third (32%) will wait “as long as possible” before bringing their car in to get serviced.
The research also revealed that 35% regret putting their car care off — resulting in unexpected repair fees (39%), emotional stress (22%) and even a roadside emergency (21%).
And while the average American feels that preventative car care is important (93%), almost half (48%) said they push back getting their car serviced because of financial constraints.
Each year, the average respondent spends more than $400 on car maintenance ($438) and estimates that they’ve spent an astounding $6,272 in total servicing their current car over the years.
To get their car serviced, Americans are most likely to go to a dealership (31%) or a local mechanic (27%) and the majority (62%) do so every three to six months.
In relation to their other responsibilities, 38% of respondents said caring for their car is a “very high” priority.
Despite this, 21% feel like their car is going to break down any day now.
Despite these worries, only 32% of respondents wished they lived somewhere a car wasn’t necessary, perhaps because the majority (65%) don’t believe that life would be easier without one — an indicator of just how important they are to our lives.
WHAT CAR REPAIRS STRESS OUT AMERICANS THE MOST?
- Engine – 66%
- Brakes – 33%
- Fuel system – 31%
- Exhaust system – 16%
- Tires – 15%
- AC/heat unit – 15%
