Australians cutting corners on car maintenance as motoring costs surge, report finds

More Australians are delaying essential vehicle maintenance as rising household costs place growing pressure on drivers, according to a new national report examining car ownership and running expenses.

The latest edition of Youi’s Generational Car Care & Costs Report found the number of Australians postponing at least one vehicle maintenance task has jumped sharply from 35 per cent in 2024 to 54 per cent in 2026.

The report also found nearly two in three motorists now admit to delaying maintenance work, compared with just one in three two years ago.

Servicing habits appear to be changing significantly. Drivers servicing their vehicles at least every six months fell from 46 per cent to 32 per cent, while the proportion servicing their cars less than once per year more than doubled from seven per cent to 16 per cent.

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The findings come amid mounting financial pressure on Australian households, with half of respondents saying driving had become less affordable over the past 12 months.

According to the study, 57 per cent of Australians now consider car ownership costs comparable to grocery expenses as a major household budget concern, while 56 per cent reported increases in fuel, insurance and loan repayment costs.

The most commonly delayed maintenance tasks remain relatively basic but potentially important to long-term vehicle health and safety. Car cleaning topped the list, followed by tyre replacement and oil changes.

Cost remains the biggest reason for delays, cited by 60 per cent of respondents. However, the report also identified growing behavioural factors, with 21 per cent saying maintenance was being deprioritised and 15 per cent admitting lack of motivation contributed to delays.

The broader Youi study also found signs of changing vehicle ownership trends in Australia. Single-car households increased from 53 per cent to 57 per cent over the past two years, while multi-car households declined from 47 per cent to 43 per cent.

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Despite many drivers viewing some delayed maintenance as relatively harmless, the report warned postponing servicing and tyre replacement could increase the risk of breakdowns and avoidable accidents.

The findings align with broader industry concerns about the rising cost of vehicle ownership in Australia, particularly as newer vehicles become more technologically complex and expensive to repair.

Recent research published alongside the report also highlighted ongoing increases in insurance premiums, fuel prices and servicing costs, placing additional pressure on drivers already dealing with higher mortgage repayments and general living expenses.

Youi said some respondents believed delayed maintenance did not immediately affect vehicle drivability, though safety experts cautioned that problems can develop gradually before becoming critical.