The cost of living crisis has prompted 48% of consumers to reconsider their approach to vehicle maintenance and servicing, according to Bumper’s 2024/25 UK Automotive Aftersales Report which polled 4,269 car owners.
The majority (90%) plan to keep their cars longer, 51% were exploring independent garages for affordable servicing, 38% are choosing not to authorise advisory repairs, and 15% reported skipping vehicle servicing because of costs.
James Jackson, co-Founder and CEO of Bumper, said: “The findings reveal a largely proactive approach to vehicle maintenance.
“However, the cost of living crisis has prompted shifts in consumer behaviour, with a significant portion of car owners looking for more affordable options, delaying non-essential repairs and using financial assistance to spread their servicing costs.
“Trust, cost and quality remain central to consumer decision-making, benefiting dealers nimble enough to adapt their aftersales propositions to the changing needs of their customers.
