News

5 January 2009 Dealers to gear up for motorists repairs

Dealers should be gearing up to see a surge in car repairs and services early in the New Year as motorists pledge to look after their vehicles more by keeping up with basic repairs and servicing in 2009.

A recent survey from Car Care Plan, the UK's leading car warranty provider, reveals that around 52 per cent of motorists are promising to take more care of their car in 2009 and plan to follow basic maintenance after neglecting their vehicle and putting off repairs in 2008.

It seems this new trend could help bolster dealers' revenue through the current economic climate and January has been revealed to be the most prolific month for servicing, with an estimated 3.9 million drivers planning on booking their car in for a service or check in the New Year.

With many motorists admitting to neglecting their cars during 2008 and planning on keeping their vehicles throughout 2009, half of Britons will now be putting motor maintenance at the top of their resolution list in a bid to keep their cars in check over the year.

You Gov surveyed more than 2,000 drivers to understand the impact the economic climate has had on motorists' attitudes towards repairing cars. It found that 13 per cent of motorists have put off making repairs in the past due to the cost, potentially causing further damage to their vehicle or risking their own safety, but one in ten drivers promise to have repairs carried out in the New Year.

Paul Newton, managing director at Car Care Plan said: "The economic climate has meant that motorists nationwide have really felt the pinch and increasingly they're looking at ways to make their vehicle last for longer and bring down the cost of motoring. Although the car industry is going through challenging times, this new trend is promising news for dealers looking to improve their profitability through other channels.

"With many drivers admitting to neglecting their car in the past but pledging to keeping up with maintenance and servicing in the New Year, repair garages and dealerships could see an increase in activity in their servicing departments. This will be an opportunity to encourage customer loyalty and retention by offering value added products which cover most essential repairs, such as car warranties."

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