NEARLY one in three Queenslanders are delaying essential car maintenance due to ongoing cost-of-living pressures, according to new research from RACQ.

Among those deferring maintenance, 80 per cent missed their routine car service, while 40 per cent delayed replacing their tyres. More than half of respondents said postponing these tasks increased the likelihood of breakdowns or accidents.

The data comes as RACQ’s roadside assistance fleet responded to 736,924 callouts in the 2024-25 financial year.

Battery issues were the most common problem, with 327,840 callouts, followed by flat tyres (74,840), lockouts (23,786), and vehicles running out of fuel (6450).

RACQ Deputy Group CEO Glenn Toms said patrols were able to get 91 per cent of motorists back on the road, with an average response

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