95% of Spaniards prioritize vehicle savings over safety.

The pursuit of savings is seriously compromising road safety in Spain. Thus, 95% of Spaniards prioritize savings over the safety of their vehicle. This reality is evident in situations such as vehicle repairs, where almost half of drivers have postponed some of the repairs they consider important for financial reasons. We also find that more than 80% have purchased cheaper insurance policies, despite having less coverage, in order to achieve financial savings.

This is reflected in the study, "Savings or Safety? This Is How Drivers Decide When Buying and Maintaining Their Vehicle," presented by the CEA Foundation and Continental, which reveals that an alarming 95% of Spaniards prioritize savings over the safety of their car. This trend is reflected in critical decisions that directly affect the integrity of vehicles and, consequently, road safety.

The study also highlights one of the most crucial issues in Spain's automotive landscape: the age of the vehicle fleet.

More than 40% of drivers report that their vehicles are more than 11 years old, and half say their vehicle is used. Furthermore, it has been shown that the European automotive sector is not going through its best period, as 9 out of 10 respondents considered purchasing a vehicle from a non-European brand, and 1 in 2 ultimately purchased one.

At the same time, it has been shown that safety is not a determining factor in the purchase decision, as only 3% prioritized it over price when purchasing their vehicle.

The cost-saving mentality also extends to car maintenance. Far from the proactivity that an aging vehicle fleet would require, drivers typically only go to the garage when "strictly necessary." Furthermore, one in two drivers chooses the most affordable mechanic, and less than 20% opt for official service. There is also no preference for parts recommended by the manufacturer, with almost 80% choosing the lowest-cost ones. When asked about the main impediment to investing more in safety, a resounding 93% cite the financial cost.

Despite this general trend, drivers do recognize the importance of not skimping on expenses in key areas such as brakes (99%), tires (99%), and airbags and passive safety systems (79%). However, the case of tires is paradoxical: despite their importance, they are given average importance (almost 3 out of 4 give them a 6 or 7 out of 10), and 79% have already opted for low-cost tire brands.

Rafael Fernández Chillón, president of the CEA Foundation, emphasizes the need to promote "information campaigns that help improve this situation, as well as implement a tax relief plan to help renew Spain's vehicle fleet." Alberto Muñoz, director of communications and public relations at Continental, reaffirms his company's commitment to road safety and raising awareness about its importance.