When the "check engine" light comes on in your car, are you the type to take it in right away to see what's wrong or do you put it off for another day?
A new poll shows Americans ignore the check engine light for an average of four months before addressing it. The survey of 2,000 American car owners also revealed that one in five (20%) admit to putting it off between six and 18 months, according to SWNS Digital , which analyzed the data.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Pep Boys, the data shows 26% of drivers say their car stresses them out more than their finances or even personal relationships (14%). When asked what would cause the most stress if repairs were needed, engine trouble (66%), bad brakes (33%) and fuel system issues (31%) ranked as the top three. Roughly 21% feel like their car is going to break down any day now.
The stress has one-third of drivers (32%) waiting "as long as possible" before bringing their car to get serviced, according to the survey. Another 39% are likely to wait for an incident or for something to break before even considering bringing their car in for service.
But you live and learn -- 35% of drivers polled said they regret putting their car care off, which resulted in unexpected repair fees (39%), emotional stress (22%) and even a roadside emergency (21%).
While the average American feels that preventative car care is important (93%), almost half (48%) said they push back getting their car serviced because of financial constraints. Each year, the average driver spends more than $400 on car maintenance, according to the survey. and estimates that they've spent an astounding $6,272 in total servicing their current car over the years.
"Despite these worries, only 32% of respondents wished they lived somewhere a car wasn't necessary, perhaps because the majority (65%) don't believe that life would be easier without one — an indicator of just how important they are to our lives," SWNS noted.
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