Fuel Cap Rise Raises Safety Risks for Drivers

Fuel Caps, Car Maintenance & the Quest for Savings: A Quick Take

Rumor has it that a new fuel‑cap hike could wreak havoc on the wallets of everyday drivers. Roughly 20 % of people say they’ll stop refilling tires or bring their cars in for routine service, all in a bid to keep their cars (and themselves) out of the hands of danger.

September’s Market Snapshot

77 % of respondents feel the rising costs of petrol and electricity will impact their ability to afford a vehicle.
18 % are putting off a new set of tires.
22 % are delaying an essential service check.

Paul Burgess, CEO of Startline Motor Finance warns that these trends could translate into a real safety risk on the road. “Routine maintenance and fresh tires are the bread‑and‑butter of keeping your car safe for everyone,” he says.

Ways People Are Trimming Motoring Costs

Shop around for cheaper fuel – 47 %
Drive less – 42 %
Swap to a cheaper vehicle – 34 %
Find a cheaper service shop – 12 %

Paul notes that while fuel prices are inching downward, a substantial chunk (over a third) of motorists are already flagging their interest in a more economy‑friendly car. That, he predicts, could give the used‑car market a nice bump in activity during the last quarter of the year. “Higher demand for these economy cars will inevitably drive their price up,” he adds.

Used Cars – Still the Go‑to Choice?

Despite the grim cost‑of‑living backdrop, the used‑car niche remains surprisingly sturdy. Here’s what the data says:

73 % of people view used cars as a more attractive purchase than new ones.
63 % remain likely to buy a used car – nearly unchanged from the previous quarter.
Only 7 % think used cars have lost their appeal.

Interestingly, 71 % of the 7 % who feel used cars are less appealing are also concerned about car prices, a jump from 14 % back in July. In short, costs are creeping into the conversation even if the market itself is still standing firm.

Paul stresses that the used‑car market is now “resistant to falls in consumer confidence.” With supply still tight and demand loud, most people are “simply not in a position to buy,” he explains, hinting that a sliver of buyers might soon be priced out.

Fuel Preferences: A Shift in the Wind

Over the last quarter, confidence in petrol and diesel is on the rise: from 44 % to 52. At the same time, fewer people think electric cars are too pricey, dropping from 49 % to 38. The chatter suggests that:

Petrol and diesel are seen as safe bets for those who feel financially strained.
Electric vehicles, though expensive to acquire, are now being valued for lower charging and upkeep costs.

In sum, as fuel prices loom larger, many are recalculating what “affordable” really means on four wheels.