Over half expect fuel prices to rise by 10-15 percent in the next year. And six in 10 motorists see no benefit in forecourt loyalty cards.
The survey also found that fewer motorists are filling their tank. It seems the older motorists are more savvy with the percentage choosing to fill their tanks when visiting the pump increasing with age. Only one in five of the 18-24 age group filled their tanks when they visited a filling station this year in contrast to just over half of those aged 45 plus. Men are more likely to fill the entire tank than women.
It seems fewer motorists have their car serviced annually; a quarter claim to check their tyres every month and more than 80 per cent said they would spend more on better quality tyres that would last longer. However, only one in 20 respondents check their tyres only once a year.
The survey also found more than half of respondents spent more on running their car compared to the previous year. Only 30 per cent of the 18-24 age group was willing to pay €150 for a service compared to almost 60 per cent of those aged 45 plus. Parking tickets and car clamping were highest amongst younger drivers aged 18-24 too.
One in three motorists have seen their insurance premiums rise this year. Over half of those surveyed do not have breakdown assistance; of those who do, seven in 10 have it as part of their vehicle insurance.
Ray Leddy, Head of Marketing with Skoda Ireland (and pictured above with the Skoda Yeti) says Irish motorists are more conscious than ever when it comes to motoring. "While fuel cost increases can't be controlled, more prudent older purchasers will shop around to seek value. As a result, we are experiencing more demand for our fuel efficient GreenLine range of vehicles as customers seek to offset rising fuel prices." He added: "On a more concerning safety level, younger motorists are more likely to neglect vehicle maintenance and pay less attention to tyre condition."
