Road safety risk: New data reveals almost 2 in 3 Australian drivers are letting car maintenance slide as cost of living pressures bite
- Written by: Times Media
Australians are putting off vehicle maintenance and new research released on the eve of National Road Safety Week 2026 (17–24 May) reveals exactly what that's costing us on the road.
A YouGov research report, commissioned by Supercheap Auto, explored how Australians manage vehicle upkeep, what's getting pushed to the back burner – and why – and what that means for the safety of our roads.
It found nearly two-thirds (64%) of Aussie drivers have or would delay or skip routine vehicle maintenance, highlighting a hidden danger on Australian roads.
Financial constraints (43%) are the key driver, with a third (32%) of Aussie drivers citing cost-of-living pressures, nearly three in ten (27%) saying the cost of servicing or parts is too high, and 7% reporting that they are using their transport budget to cover fuel expenses.
Financial costs aside, the research highlights the very real safety costs of not maintaining a vehicle.
Alarmingly, more than two in five (42%) drivers who delay or skip most or all maintenance still reported being very confident that their vehicle is roadworthy and safe to drive.
More concerning, nearly half (49%) of Aussie drivers who only deal with their car when something goes wrong say they are very confident in the safety and roadworthiness of their vehicle.
This is despite one in three (34%) Aussie drivers admitting to experiencing vehicle issues or consequences potentially stemming from putting off vehicle maintenance.
Driver Safety Australia Managing Director and Leading Road Safety Advocate Russell White said the data showed that too many drivers were overestimating how safe their vehicles really are.
“Confidence doesn’t equal roadworthiness, and when basic maintenance is ignored, the risks can be serious — not just for the driver, but for everyone sharing the road,” Mr White said.
“Regular servicing and prompt attention to issues like tyres, brakes and oil levels are essential to keeping vehicles safe and preventing avoidable incidents.
“Cost-of-living pressures are clearly influencing how Australians manage vehicle upkeep, but putting off maintenance can turn a short-term saving into a much bigger financial and road safety cost.
“We know budgets are tight, but we’re urging all drivers to treat vehicle maintenance as a road safety issue, not just a household expense.”
Supercheap Auto Managing Director Ben McConnell said the research highlighted how small, affordable actions taken now can prevent far more serious consequences later.
Acknowledging that cost and know-how were two of the biggest barriers drivers faced, Mr McConnell said Supercheap Auto was committed to helping Aussies with trusted advice, DIY support and affordable products.
“The findings reveal a growing gap between what drivers know they should do and what they're actually doing,” he said.
“As everyday expenses continue to climb, many drivers are quietly delaying or skipping routine car maintenance to save money now, without considering the long-term financial and safety costs.
“It’s not just a warning light on the dashboard or an inconvenient flat tyre – putting off car maintenance poses a genuine safety threat to you, your passengers and other road users.
“Our team consider it a privilege to help keep Aussies safe on the roads.”
Supercheap Auto’s network of more than 290 stores Australia-wide offers a range of budget-friendly services and products to help drivers maintain their vehicles.
These include free battery testing and recharging and affordable in-store diagnostic services, where trained team members scan vehicles and provide trusted advice about repair and maintenance needs.
For more information on safe and affordable car maintenance, visit: supercheapauto.com.au/blog
