Most Irish motorists expect fuel prices to rise by 10-15 per cent in the next year, according to a new Skoda Ireland Motoring Costs Insights report.
The report surveyed some 900 Irish motorists over the age of 18 – examining the running costs of vehicles for Irish drivers and revealing the typical spend on vehicle maintenance. Over half those surveyed said that they had spent more on the running costs of their car in 2011 compared with last year.
Car maintenance behaviour patterns appear to differ according to gender.
Men are more likely to maintain their car on a regular basis, with a third of males checking their tyres every month compared to only a quarter of women.
Despite consumers spending cautiously, environmental and safety concerns remain a priority for motorists. Over three quarters of participants said that they would spend more on their tyres if they were better quality, lasted longer, or were safer. Of those participants who said they were willing to spend more on their tyres if they were safer, more than half said they would spend up to 10-15 per cent extra.
Similarly, one in every three Leinster motorists said that they would spend more on the purchase price of a car if they knew it would benefit the environment. This varies significantly amongst the sexes with women demonstrating a greener conscience as 71 per cent admitted a willingness to pay more for an environmentally-friendly vehicle compared to just 59 per cent of men.
Forecourt spending
The Skoda Ireland report reveals that Irish motorists approach to fuelling their vehicles varies considerably.
Almost half of participants fill their tank when they visit the petrol/diesel station with value top of mind. However over a third (37 per cent ) of motorists prefer to purchase a set value of petrol/diesel.
Casual forecourt spending has taken a hit, as cost-conscious Irish consumers avoid impulse purchasing. Almost one in every four motorists do not spend any money in the petrol station shop.
The impact of the downturn is also apparent, with 38 per cent of Irish motorists opting not to spend any money on car washing, and a further 28 per cent prepared to spend only €5 or less on each wash.
Breakdown assistance and parking
Similarly, Leinster motorists do not place emphasis on breakdown assistance, as over half of participants are not a member of a breakdown assistance provider.
Amongst participants who had breakdown assistance, almost three quarters (71 per cent ) paid nothing for this service as it was included in their insurance or vehicle warranty package.
