The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has published research highlighted the growing number of younger motorists who mistakenly believe they can cut their driving costs by avoiding annual servicing.

According to the organisation's findings, ten per cent of drivers aged from 18 to 24 have never had their vehicle serviced and do not plan to, while this figure drops considerably to less than two per cent in the over-54 age group.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt commented: "A properly maintained car is not only more fuel-efficient, but will be safer and more reliable. Putting off service and repair work is a false economy with risks and costs outweighing short-term gains."

Last year, the Association of British Insurers issued a warning to the government that the quality of young driver training in the UK needs to improve if this group is to be better prepared to face the dangers of the open road.

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