A recent report conducted by the Office for National Statistics revealed that the UK economy grew by 0.6% in the first quarter of 2026, citing the vehicle repair and maintenance industry as a key contributor.1
The service sector provided a boost to the economy that saw UK growth figures ahead of the US, Canada, Germany, Italy and France. Services output increased by 0.8% in Q1 2026, following a 0.2% increase in Q4 2025. Within this, the vehicle maintenance sector’s contribution has more than doubled since Q4 2025, making it a major contributor to these optimistic economic statistics for the start of the year.
As a key industry player, HiQ Tyres & Autocare can attest to the industry’s strength, having grown its network by more than 20 sites in the last two years to 120 today.
How do motorists respond to periods of economic uncertainty?
Research conducted by HiQ Tyres & Autocare in 2024 revealed a consumer behaviour pattern that reflects the uncertainty felt across the globe as a result of the cost-of-living crisis and ongoing global economic instability. The survey revealed that amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, more than a third of total tyre changes were occurring as a result of excessive wear, defined as tyres being beyond the 1.6mm legal limit.2 This suggests that some drivers were delaying routine maintenance as they had to be more careful with their spending.
While the cost-of-living crisis continues to make headlines, many other ongoing global crises have further destabilised the economy. Therefore, the recent figures showing promising economic growth in the UK are a welcome surprise, and it is notable that vehicle maintenance has played a crucial role in this growth.
“I am proud to see that our industry has been a driving force behind the UK’s economic resilience in this testing time,” said Craig Sprigmore, Retail Director, HiQ Tyres & Autocare. “In such uncertain times, we are seeing consumers choosing to keep their cars for longer, which in turn, increases demand in our sector. That is why we are seeing such an increase in our sector’s contribution to economic growth. At all of our autocare centres across the county, we encourage consumers to keep up with routine car maintenance. It is down to more people choosing these services that we are seeing the car maintenance sector contribute to economic growth. If you need advice on the condition of your vehicle, visit a local HiQ store and speak to one of our experts for a free vehicle health check.”
Vehicle maintenance continues to offer economic growth in uncertain times
Though often overlooked in discussions around economic growth, the vehicle repair sector has proven itself to be invaluable to the UK economy in these recent reports.
Sprigmore adds: “While demand for new or used vehicles fluctuates, the routine of fixed MOT and servicing schedules makes the business of vehicle maintenance relatively stable.
“Though these figures are promising, our earlier research into the cost of living suggests that some drivers may still be delaying their routine maintenance as they have to be more careful with their spending. In the long term, preventative maintenance is preferable to costly urgent repairs, and ultimately road safety should remain a priority, so we know that there is still more to be done to encourage road users to prioritise their routine services.”
