Cash-poor motorists ignore rattles
RATTLES, glass chips and weird grunts are all on the "avoid list" when it comes to cash-strapped motorists, with many in the Southern Downs forced to delay vehicle services and repairs because they can't afford it.
Eastside Tyre and Mechanical mechanic Brett Atkinson said he had noticed a dramatic drop in the number of people getting regular maintenance and an increase in problems that could have been avoided.
"Most people drag their services out a lot longer and they don't check tyre pressure and brake pads," Mr Atkinson said.
"It means that what could have been a minor issue can end up costing them thousands of dollars."
A survey by Bingle Car Insurance revealed 57% of eastern Australian motorists were guilty of delaying their services and letting minor issues fester until they became larger problems.
The study also revealed Queenslanders were the worst offenders in the country.
Mr Atkinson said drivers who chose not to send their vehicle to the mechanic on a regular basis not only put themselves in danger, but everyone else on the road too.
"They think 'if I ignore it it will go away' but it won't," he said.
"I personally think (Queensland) needs to adopt what they do in New South Wales which is every year, they have to have a road worthy done.
"It's not as intricate as ours here, but it keeps death traps off the road."
Southern Downs motorist Todd Brown said he hadn't sent his truck to the mechanic in years and had learnt to do his own maintenance to save money, but Mr Atkinson said he still recommended every motorist get their vehicle serviced by a qualified mechanic every six months.
