Drivers lose up to 565 hours of their lives to pesky car admin, survey finds
A poll of 2,000 drivers revealed that, on average, they spend a full day (24 hours) each year thinking about service schedules, MOTs, and potential issues.
3
The study also found that six in 10 (63 per cent) have missed important occasions because they couldn't get there.
In fact, over the past year, drivers reported having to change plans for an average of four events due to undetected car issues.
The research was commissioned by BMW, whose Proactive Care service is designed to reduce time spent thinking about vehicle upkeep.
It uses real-time vehicle data to alert drivers to potential issues before they become problems.
To bring this to life and raise awareness of the technology affording drivers greater peace of mind, BMW created a striking clock visual, sculpted in sand using car tyres, to symbolise the precious hours that could be reclaimed.
Werner Pagenstert, spokesperson for BMW Group UK, said: 'Time is the ultimate luxury and shouldn't be lost to car admin or unplanned maintenance.
"Smart technology can help drivers reclaim those 565 lost hours and spend more time doing the things that matter most to them.'
The study also found nearly half of drivers (46 per cent) say motoring admin takes up valuable headspace.
Many still rely on traditional methods to stay organised, with more than half (52 per cent) using diaries to manage service schedules, while 37 per cent wait for a dashboard alert before taking action, and 37 per cent actively delay visits to the garage.
The impact this admin has on enjoyment is significant, with two thirds (68 per cent) of motorists saying they'd enjoy driving more with greater peace of mind.
This comes as the average Brit spends only a tenth of their day doing what they actually want to do, with the rest absorbed by obligations and life admin.
When asked how they'd prefer to use time reclaimed from car-related admin, a third (33 per cent) said they'd read more, 32 per cent would prioritise exercise, and a quarter (25 per cent) would book themselves a much-needed holiday.
For many, getting away from it all is key - 37 per cent crave more trips and holidays to escape daily pressures and one in five (20 per cent) admit that these occasions are the only time they can switch off from everyday stress and life admin.
As a quarter (24 per cent) said true relaxation only comes once they're physically away from their everyday stresses.
BMW Proactive Care has partnered with the Seren Collection hotels in Wales to offer one driver a chance to win a two-night luxury stay for two, complete with a tasting menu experience and use of an all-electric car for the duration of the trip.
Spokesman Werner Pagenstert added: 'With so many people valuing this quality time away, we wanted to offer drivers the chance to do exactly that.
'And we're hoping to help people make the most of those precious hours that can be reclaimed from irritating admin and car maintenance.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Britain's best selling cars of 2025 so far revealed as hatchback favourite roars back into the lead
THE BEST selling cars of 2025 so far have been revealed, featuring a hatchback favourite that has roared back into the lead. It comes as car manufacturers have updated their sales figures for the year, determining the current most popular new motors for UK drivers. 10 At top of the charts again is the Ford Puma, which has continued to be a UK best-selling car in the last two years. If it maintains this position for the rest of 2025, it could have a second consecutive year as the top model in the country. This is despite slower start to the year than last, but regained its position in February. The broader new car market is also experiencing fluctuations, which can be linked to challenges as well as uncertainty about government incentives. However, a definitive list of the top 10 best-selling cars of the year at the moment has been provided through SMMT data. 1. Ford Puma - 30,764 units The Puma has secured the top spot in UK sales since February this year, despite having a slow start to 2025. This may be linked to its appealing features, being engaging to drive, and attractively priced. There is also the option of a hot Puma ST variant, and soon arrival of the electric Ford Puma Gen-E. 2. Kia Sportage - 27,494 units 10 This family SUV from the Korean automobile manufacturer retained second place for the third consecutive month. At the end of 2022, it entered its fifth generation, and still looks a fresh and modern vehicle. Mercedes' new CLA 250+ Sport is its most efficient and intelligent car ever but is spoiled by 'chavvy' feature With mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the Kia Sportage provides great variety for buyers. 3. Nissan Qashqai - 24,529 units 10 The Nissan Qashqai really peaked in 2022 as the UK's best-selling car. Since then, it has finished in second in 2023, and third in 2024. It comes in at third again at the moment, proving to be a continually popular car for buyers. The British-built family crossover provides excellent practicality, no doubt encouraged by the electrified powertrain that was added to its third generation. 4. Vauxhall Corsa - 22,196 units 10 The Vauxhall Corsa has been another car that has fallen in the rankings over the past few years, after being the top in 2021. Sales of the model fell steadily, to being left completely off the top 10 in 2024. It has, however, been given a facelift, and proves to be performing well again. The new supermini offers great value for money, with strong and economical powertrains, as well as some impressive digital tech. 5. Nissan Juke - 21,604 units The Nissan Juke finished in fourth place in 2024, and has remained a popular car in the UK. The small SUV received a refresh in the middle of 2023, after being on sale with its brand new design from 2020. It subsequently became hybrid powered for the first time. 6. Volkswagen Golf - 18,974 units The Golf is a dependable and efficient car that has been a popular one for some time. It is good all-round family hatchback that has been slowly creeping its way back up the charts. Autocar have considered this Volkswagen a "handsomely understated' designed car that has an effortless look. There are options for drivers to customise their vehicle's interior, though, and the new models can even come with heated seats. The German company has provided a wide-reaching technology update, a design revamp, a more powerful GTI hot hatch and a longer-range plug-in hybrid for the model, so it continue to climb in the ranks. 7. MG HS - 11,016 units 10 The MG HS has been described as offering "nothing short of class-leading value for money" to justify its placement on the list. It is available with a petrol engine or as a plug-in hybrid. The family crossover also comes with good levels of equipment, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 360 degree parking camera and smartphone mirroring capabilities. 8. Volkswagen Tiguan - 17,750 units 10 This is Volkswagen's popular family SUV, that has consistently been one of its best-sellers in the UK. It is a practical and versatile option that gets a wide range of powertrains from petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids. Standard equipment of the vehicle includes a reversing camera, parking sensors, wireless smartphone mirroring and dual digital screens. 9. Peugeot 2008 - 17,605 units The French firm offers style, frugal hybrid trains and electric options with this model. The Peugeot 2008 also provides generation standard equipment for its price. This includes front and rear parking sensors, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen and active safety braking. 10. Hyundai Tucson - 17,249 units This car has been a regular favourite in the UK's top 10 list. The popular SUV is arguably the most premium option on the list, with a eye-catching look and unique lighting arragnement. It has plush interior and a range of electrified powertrains for many Brits.
Reuters
2 hours ago
- Reuters
TPG to acquire Australian automotive software firm Infomedia for over $420 million
Aug 6 (Reuters) - Australia's Infomedia ( opens new tab said on Wednesday it has agreed to be acquired by the Asia-focused private equity arm of asset manager TPG (TPG.O), opens new tab for an equity value of A$651 million ($421.33 million). Under the deal, shareholders in the ASX-listed firm would receive A$1.72 per share, reflecting an over 30% premium as compared to the stock's close on Tuesday. Infomedia provides software as a service (SaaS) solutions for the global automotive and motor service sector, offering clients data-driven solutions. It counts global carmakers BMW ( opens new tab, Audi and Cadillac among its customers, according to its website. The A$1.72 per-share offer sits close to what was offered for the firm back in 2022 by potential suitors from the United States. The cash consideration reflects an enterprise value of A$579 million, the company said. Infomedia is also allowed to pay its shareholders a fully franked dividend of up to 2 Australian cents per share for fiscal 2025 and a further special dividend of up to 2.9 Australian cents apiece. ($1 = 1.5451 Australian dollars)
Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Brabus-tuned Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet turns up for sale
Only 250 were ever made, and this one has hardly been used. View post: Walmart Is Selling a 'Spacious' $680 Storage Shed for $369, and Shoppers Say It's 'Very Sturdy and Weatherproof' No, It's Not A Mercedes German tuner Brabus is primarily known for its modified Mercedes-Benz luxury cars (and the occasional real-estate deal), but the company occasionally dabbles in other brands, as evidenced by this modified 2024 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet that's currently up for sale on Bring a Trailer. The current bid is $330,000, and there are 6 days left before the auction ends. This 992 Turbo S has the Brabus 820 package, encompassing carbon fiber bodywork, mechanical upgrades courtesy of the Brabus PowerXtra P38S-820 performance package, and a new interior. The seller claims these represent about $200,000 in upgrades, contributing to an original sale price of $499,998. With six days to go in the auction, the high bid for this 1,600-mile car hadn't gotten quite that high, though. Even More Power The performance package includes a Brabus-specific exhaust system, ECU, and blow-off valves, taking output to 820 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque, increases of 180 hp and 130 lb-ft over the stock output of the Turbo S' twin-turbocharged 3.7-liter flat-six. Brabus claims this upgrade drops the zero to 60 mph time from 2.7 seconds to 2.5 seconds, and increases the top speed from 205 mph to 211 mph. Brabus retained the eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transaxle, all-wheel drive system, and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control suspension with front-end lift. The hood, front bumper trim, side skirts, engine cover, front and rear spoilers, and rear diffuser are all carbon fiber under Jet Black Metallic paint. The car also wears center-locking Brabus wheels, sized 21 inches in front and 22 inches in the back, with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Inside, the Brabus Masterpiece Leather Conversion package (a $66,000 option when new, according to the seller) is perfect for fans of black and red. There's plenty of carbon-fiber trim in here as well, including on the Brabus-branded steering wheel. The conversion maintains the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system as well. 911 Evolution This low-mileage tuner car represents the current generation of 911 Turbo, but that's not going to be the case for long. Porsche unveiled a refreshed 911—dubbed 992.2—for the 2025 model year with hybrid powertrains, but the automaker kept the 911 Turbo and Turbo S as-is for that model year. During Porsche's half-year earnings call, CEO Oliver Blume confirmed that a refreshed 911 Turbo with a hybrid powertrain is on the way. It will be unveiled later this year, meaning it will likely be considered a 2026 model when it reaches the United States. We can't wait to see what Brabus does with it. About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
