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Why So Many Drivers Are Behind on Critical Car Maintenance — and How It Puts Everyone at Risk

41% of People Are Overdue for Maintenance Work

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By Susan Meyer
Updated December 3, 2025
Reviewed By Beth Swanson
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Susan Meyer

Senior Editorial Manager

Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Beth Swanson

Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance (AINS)
  • Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
  • Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
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  1. Issues with deferring maintenance
  2. Safety hazards from poor maintenance
  3. 3. Fluid Neglect Leads to Unexpected Failures
  4. Why drivers defer maintenance
  5. The financial consequences
  6. Staying ahead of repairs

41% of Vehicles Nationwide Aren't Fully Maintained

The average American drives between 14,000 miles a year. But how many of them are driving cars in prime condition? 

In an era when cars are more technologically advanced and reliable than ever, it’s easy to assume they can take care of themselves. But the data tells a different story: an estimated 41% of vehicles nationwide are overdue for critical maintenance work.[1]  

Learn why this is creating hidden dangers on the road that affect not just people trying poorly maintained vehicles, but public safety.

The Growing Problem of Deferred Maintenance

Inflation, rising repair costs and increasingly complex vehicles have all contributed to a surge in deferred maintenance. Many drivers delay routine service like oil changes, brake inspections, or tire replacements because they’re short on time, short on funds, or simply unaware of looming issues.

Industry studies routinely find that almost half of all vehicles on the road are overdue for serious maintenance work. 

Maintenance issues can include:

  • Worn or underinflated tires
  • Failing brakes
  • Overdue oil or fluid changes
  • Weak batteries
  • Faulty lights
  • Neglected filters and belts

While these problems may seem small, they can quickly escalate into expensive repairs and serious safety risks.

How Skipping Maintenance Becomes a Safety Hazard

Neglected repairs don’t just impact how long a car lasts. They directly affect how safely a vehicle performs on the road.

1. Tire Problems Are a Leading Cause of Accidents

Recent research shows that around 30% of cars are behind on tire rotations.[1] Tires are the only point of contact between a car and the road, yet they’re one of the most commonly ignored maintenance items.

Underinflated or worn tires lead to:

  • Longer stopping distances
  • Reduced traction in wet or icy conditions
  • A higher likelihood of blowouts
  • Loss of vehicle control or the possibility of a rollover

What to do:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that tire-related issues cause around 11,000 crashes each year.[2]

This is reason enough to maintain your tires, rotate them every 5,000 - 7,500 miles and check your tire pressure regularly.

2. Brake Wear Can Sneak Up on Drivers

Brakes wear gradually, so many drivers don’t notice the decline in performance until it becomes dangerous. Skipping brake inspections increases the risk of:

  • Overheated, ineffective brakes
  • Metal-on-metal grinding
  • Total brake failure

What to do:

This isn’t just a problem for older cars; even newer vehicles require routine checks to ensure components are performing properly.

You should get your brakes checked at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. 

 

3. Fluid Neglect Leads to Unexpected Failures

Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid all serve critical roles and yet 20% of drivers are behind on oil changes.[1] When oil or other fluids are old, low or contaminated, drivers may experience:

  • Overheating
  • Engine seizure
  • Loss of steering control
  • Reduced braking power

What to do

Any one of these issues can lead to sudden breakdowns or accidents. Don’t ignore the engine light and make sure to follow all manufacturer recommendations for oil and other fluid changes.

4. Burned-Out Lights Reduce Visibility

Lights seem like a minor concern until they fail. Missing headlights, brake lights, or turn signals make it harder for drivers to see, be seen, and communicate with other drivers, especially at night or in bad weather.

This increases the risk of rear-end collisions and intersection crashes. While it's hard to pinpoint the number of crashes each year that are attributed to low visibility (as many collisions are a combination of factors), the Federal Highway Administration estimates that 38,700 accidents occur each year in fog, which is one cause of low visibility.[3] Additionally, traffic deaths are three times more likely to occur at night.[4]

What to do

Working lights can help you see in fog, rain, snow and dark. And of course, working lights on cars around you can help you avoid hitting them.

Always replace all lights as soon as you see they've gone out. 

Why Drivers Put Off Necessary Repairs

Understanding why people fall behind on maintenance helps shed light on how common (and preventable) these risks really are.

Rising Costs

Repair and labor prices have surged in recent years, leaving many drivers forced to choose between essential expenses and necessary car upkeep. When an oil change or a set of new tires costs substantially more than it did a few years ago, many people try to stretch the intervals beyond recommended limits.

Lack of Knowledge

Not everyone is comfortable with car jargon or repair schedules. Without reminders or clear guidance, it can be easy for maintenance to fall off the radar.

Busy Lifestyles

Between work, family and daily responsibilities, routine service can feel inconvenient. What starts as a short delay becomes months or even years.

“If It’s Not Broken, Don’t Fix It” Mentality

Many drivers assume that if a car is running, it’s fine. Modern vehicles make it easier to ignore problems because they continue functioning even as components begin to degrade.

The Financial Consequences of Delayed Maintenance

Safety issues aside, skipping maintenance may save money in the moment, but it usually leads to bigger bills later. Some examples:

  • A $50 oil change can prevent a $5,000 engine replacement.[5]
  • Replacing brake pads for a few hundred dollars can avoid an $800 rotor and caliper repair.[6]
  • Proper tire care extends their lifespan and can prevent accidents, along with insurance claims that can increase your rates.

Insurance rates can rise after preventable accidents or repeated claims linked to poor vehicle upkeep. On average, one no-fault accident causes your insurance to rise $91 a year. 

Does Insurance Cover Maintenance?

Health insurance covers preventative care, but does car insurance cover maintenance that would prevent future accidents? Unfortunately, no. While that would be nice, standard auto insurance policies (including liability, collision, and comprehensive) do not pay for maintenance or mechanical breakdowns caused by everyday use. These costs are considered the normal responsibility of car ownership.

How Drivers Can Stay Safe and Ahead of Repairs

The good news: most dangerous maintenance issues are entirely preventable. Drivers can stay safe by:

  • Following the vehicle’s maintenance schedule (found in the owner’s manual)
  • Scheduling seasonal inspections
  • Checking tires monthly
  • Paying attention to dashboard warning lights
  • Using apps or reminders to track service intervals
  • Not delaying small fixes that could turn into major ones

A little attention goes a long way toward safer, more reliable driving and protects everyone on the road.

Wrapping Up

Falling behind on car maintenance is more common (and more dangerous) than many people realize. As repair costs rise and vehicles become more complex, drivers may be tempted to postpone routine service. But doing so puts them at risk of expensive breakdowns and potentially life-threatening accidents.

Staying current with maintenance isn’t just about protecting a car; it’s about protecting lives.

Sources

  1. Safety Risk Exposed: Almost Half of All Drivers in the U.S. Behind on Critical Maintenance. [Carrier Management]

  2. Safety and Savings Ride on Your Tires. [NHTSA]

  3. Low visibility. [Federal Highway Administration]

  4. Nighttime visibility for safety. [Federal Highway Administration]

  5. Engine replacement cost. [Auto Zone]

  6. Brake replacement cost. [Auto Zone]