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Drivers have been urged not to delay one thing related to their cars as colder weather begins to set in during autumn and winter.
As temperatures drop and evenings grow darker, financial pressures from rising energy and fuel bills are leading many motorists to consider which expenses can be postponed.
Some are already putting off essential car maintenance, a decision that experts warn could carry serious financial, safety, and legal consequences, especially in colder months.
To help motorists navigate competing pressures, financial psychotherapist Vicky Reynal and Jake Lambert, temporary insurance expert at Tempcover, have shared some advice.
Why do drivers delay getting repairs?
Reynal explained that when money is tight, it’s common for drivers to ignore warning signs like dashboard lights or unusual engine noises.
She said: "When our finances feel stretched, taking preventative measures can slip down the list of priorities.
"Even if rationally we understand that putting off repairs could lead to much bigger problems (and bills!) down the line, our financial anxiety can distort our thinking.
"We become optimistic – telling ourselves 'it’s probably nothing' or simply falling into denial, procrastination, and avoidance.
"These are all psychological defences that help us put off the discomfort of paying for maintenance or the anxiety of discovering what might be wrong and need repair, when finances feel stretched already."
While these defences may offer temporary relief, Reynal warned they often come at a greater cost.
She said: "These defences work because we are temporarily relieved from the negative feelings, but we still pay a psychological price because the reality is that we don’t fully get rid of them.
"They sit in the back of our minds as an unconscious worry.
"We risk also paying a financial cost if a small problem today becomes a bigger problem left unattended, which in turn might trigger guilt and regret down the line.
"To interrupt the avoidance, separate 'finding out' from 'deciding what to spend.'
"Instead of panicking because you imagine a huge repair bill, give yourself the task of simply finding out what an assessment costs and what the warning means, how urgent it is and what the options are.
"Safety warnings need prompt attention, but getting information does not mean agreeing to every proposed expense.
"You still have a choice, and avoidance keeps you stuck in a passive and anxious place.
"So make the next step manageable: it’s about gathering information to inform the best decision for you – that’s empowering."
Drivers urged not to delay getting repairs in colder weather
Beyond the mental toll, driving an unmaintained vehicle as temperatures drop creates heightened financial and legal risks.
Lambert said: "Colder, wetter weather can accelerate existing vehicle faults, making them both more dangerous and more expensive to fix.
"Worn tyres or delayed brake repairs can be the difference between stopping safely and losing control on wet or icy roads.
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"There’s also a serious insurance and legal risk drivers may overlook.
"Vehicle owners have a legal obligation under UK law to keep their cars in a roadworthy condition.
"If a neglected fault or a worn component contributes to an accident, your insurer may reduce or reject your claim, leaving you to pay for your own repairs alongside potential fines and penalty points."
Have you delayed potential car repairs before due to the cost? Let us know in the comments.