Delivery delays see drivers opt to fix and keep their cars

The delays facing new car deliveries are leading more people to channel funds that would have gone toward purchasing a new vehicle into doing up their current ride, according to a survey revealed last week.

The survey of more than 1000 people across Australia carried out by market research company YouGov on behalf of auto-accessories retailer Supercheap Auto, found that more than 70 per cent of recipients elected to repair their ride rather than replace it.

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Two thirds (65 per cent) of car owners had already made improvements to their car during the past two years, with 31 per cent spending more money on their car than before the pandemic.

The most common improvements included replacing the tyres (29 per cent), replacing wiper blades (27 per cent), replacing the battery (22 per cent) and polishing the car (21 per cent).

When it came to non-maintenance upgrades, nine per cent of those surveyed splurged on new seat overs, a navigation system or a dash cam, while eight per cent said they installed roof racks or repainted the car.

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Another seven per cent installed a reversing camera, and six per cent replaced the sound system or head unit.

Drivers spent an average of $1646 detailing their cars in the past 12 months with men ($1742) outspending women ($1540) to the tune of $200.

People in New South Wales and Queensland spent the most on detailing, probably because of all that rain.

The survey also found that 42 per cent of car owners admit they couldn't remember the last time they checked the oil level or put oil in their car.

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Of these, 46 per cent lived in a major capital city while 35 per cent were from regional and rural areas.

Despite borders reopening 66 per cent of car owners said would prefer to take a road trip rather than fly to a holiday destination during the next six months due to concerns around COVID-19.