Sound systems or safety features?

Almost one in three Generation Y drivers would prefer to spend money on a sound system than safety features – but this is not the only generation risking their lives on Australian roads.

An independent consumer survey by Canstar Blue found Australian drivers across generations take unsafe risks because of the high costs associated with servicing vehicles. About 25% of Generation X and 12% of Baby Boomers are likely to drive an unserviced car in order to save money.

The survey also shows 30% of Generation Y respondents would be more likely to spend money on a sound system than safety features when buying a new car, compared with only 4% of Baby Boomers and 16% of Generation X.

Canstar Blue manager, Rebecca Logan, says the numbers are disturbing.

“A substantial number of Australians are putting themselves and their loved ones at risk to save money given neglecting their cars in this way is likely to cost them far more in the long run,” Ms Logan says.

She says irregular car servicing places motorists at long-term risks through a greater chance of oil sludge build up on the engine, mechanical failure on the road, excessive wear and tear and far greater running costs.

According to Australian Automobile Association director of technical services, Craig Newland, the common misconception most people have is that a car service as just a general “tune up” of the engine.

“But a car service involves the inspection of other items like breaks, tyres and steering that impact directly on a car’s road worthiness,” Mr Newland says.

To save costs, Mr Newland insists people can do some of the simple inspections, like checking the tread on their tyres or seeing if their lights are working, but says there are more technical aspects that a regular driver would not be able to check.

“You won’t always know if your brakes are getting worn down, or be able to check things like steering and suspension,” he says.

Generation Y again leads other generations in car registration rates. The survey shows some Australians are driving their cars unregistered in order to save money, including 16% of Gen Y, compared with only 2% of Baby Boomers and 8% of Gen X.

Canstar Blue commissioned Colmar Brunton to survey 7,500 Australians, and the results of the survey were taken from respondents who have bought a new car from a dealership in the last three years.

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