Motorists urged not to neglect safety

With petrol prices continuing to soar and the economy showing no signs of improving, GEM Motoring Assist is urging motorists not to cut corners and jeopardise safety when it comes to car maintenance.

Earlier this year Britannia Rescue published research along similar lines, showing that motorists are delaying essential maintenance and driving illegal cars because they can’t afford the repairs.

David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist, says: “Tighter budgets and rocketing fuel costs have had a negative impact on motorists’ car maintenance habits, as many see it as a low priority in these tough times.

“What drivers don’t realise is if a problem is discovered sooner rather than later, they could avoid serious damage to their vehicle which would end up costing a lot more.

“With recent research showing that 20% of new cars fail their first MOT, motorists simply cannot rely on modern vehicles.

“Irregular car servicing and checks will undoubtedly make cars less reliable, and driving an unsafe vehicle puts drivers, passengers and other road users in unnecessary danger.”