Under the shadow of COVID-19, 48% of drivers have put off essential servicing or car maintenance during 2020, a study has found.

The study from money.co.uk found that 17% are driving with at least one service light or warning light, with 64% in no hurry to get their car looked at, citing under-use. 

Overall, 28% of drivers said they had one or more warning lights currently on their vehicle or were driving with known issues with their car.

68% had not checked their tires since the beginning of the year. Of those who had inspected their tyres, 26% said they knew they needed to be replaced. Of this group,  32% cited cost for holding off, 12% said availability was an issue, and 40% put it down to a lack of long journeys.

According to the research, the average UK mileage has dropped by more than half to an estimated average of just 3,500 miles a year, since the start of the year. This is down from 8,000 in 2019.

38% did not get interim services performed, while 28% eschewed oil checks/changes. 21% ignored unrecognised warning lights, and 15% failed to top up their windscreen washer fluid. 40%  blamed lack of regular use, along with 32% citing tighter budgets and 17% saying delayed MOTs.

Salman Haqqi, Personal Finance Expert for money.co.uk said: “With most regular drivers making smaller, more infrequent journeys, it’s easy to see why some might be tempted to put off repairs and maintenance, especially particularly expensive work. However, doing so could have serious consequences.”