As many as four in five Australians are refusing to pay for essential car maintenance as the cost-of-living crisis deepens, according to new research.
Research Findings
The 2026 Youi Generational Car Care & Costs Report, which surveyed over 2,000 drivers, reveals that cost-of-living pressures are forcing Australians to cut corners on vehicle upkeep. A striking 79% of Gen Z drivers and 76% of Millennials have put off at least one key maintenance task, compared to 62% of Gen X and just 37% of Boomers.
Younger Drivers Hit Hardest
Youi’s Head of Product, Marni Jackson, said the trend is a serious concern. “Younger Australians are under greater financial strain due to driving more. Compared to Boomers, nearly three times as many Gen Z and Millennials spend over $600 per month to run their car, leaving them with tighter budgets and a higher propensity to defer maintenance.”
Rising Numbers
In 2024, one in three motorists was delaying regular service and maintenance. That figure has now increased to nearly two in three Australians admitting to delaying essential maintenance, such as oil changes and tyre replacements, to manage expenses like fuel, insurance, and loan repayments. Drivers who say maintenance is “not a priority” have also increased.
Consequences of Delaying
Car cleaning, tyre replacement, and oil changes remain the top three upkeeps drivers postpone. Regular servicing has also taken a hit: the proportion of Australians who service their car every six months or more has fallen sharply from 46% in 2024 to 32% in 2026.
Experts warn that skipping logbook service might free up cash in the short term but drastically increases the risk of a breakdown. A $200 service saved today could easily turn into a multi-thousand-dollar bill in the future.
