Repair or Replace: Are Latvian Drivers Making Sustainable Choices

Less than you might think. While many people talk about responsible decisions, when it comes to fixing our cars, habits often don’t match our words. This is according to Kristaps Liecinieks, a Latvian insurance expert.

“The desire to make responsible choices is undeniable, but it’s often hampered by cost and service providers offering limited sustainable options.” says Liecinieks, explaining the challenges facing environmentally conscious drivers.

Many common car issues could be tackled easily and sustainably with repairs, rather than costly replacements. However, both individuals and organizations prioritize more expensive solutions, potentially due to perceived convenience or affordability.

But how often is a quick fix the best choice? Let’s look at some common problems:

Shield Your Sight: The Case for Repairing Windshields

A small pebble might seem harmless, but even tiny chips in your windshield can grow due to temperature changes, vibrations, and your car’s movements. While a complete windshield replacement might seem like the only option.

Modern technology allows for effective and affordable repairs.

“Windshield damage is especially common in the summer, as road repairs lead to more loose gravel, ‘ ” says Liecinieks. “It’s dangerous to drive with a damaged windshield, even something that seems minor can affect visibility and prevent passing the annual technical inspection.”

He emphasizes that a high-quality, affordable repair is possible if the damage is smaller than a 2-euro coin. Repairing it sooner rather than later prevents dirt and cracks from spreading, making a repair more challenging.

“Windshield repair is much more environmentally friendly and economical compared to full replacement. However, only 15% of our customers choose this option,” Liecinieks observes.

What causes this hesitation, even when repair is cheaper and better for the planet? Some drivers might feel a sense of caution when it comes to impacting the structural integrity of their windshield

Cosmetic Reflections: Repairing Minor Damage Can Save You Money – and the Planet

Scratches on the bodywork can be disheartening, but replacing the whole part might feel unnecessary if the damage is minor.

Fortunately, most car repairs are possible with modern techniques. Properly repairing a scratched piece of your car saves resources, prevents unnecessary waste, and ultimately costs less than a full replacement.

Liecinieks highlights that CASKO insurance policies often encourage customers to choose higher deductibles, which can contain costs in the long run, but sometimes make small repairs feel less appealing.

“Insurance policies often include deductibles, which can make a repair seem less appealing. It saves time and resources, but sometimes delaying a

repair isn’t the best path,” explains Liecinieks.

Rolling Wonders: Why Repairing Tires and Wheels Makes a Difference

There’s a troubling trend in the automotive world: car manufacturers are increasingly fitting cars with larger, lower-profile tires. While these offer a certain style and performance benefits, they are often more costly to replace, and much more susceptible to damage.

“Larger wheel rims are more prone to damage and are more expensive to replace,” says Liecinieks. ‘Repair should be the first choice, especially for cosmetic damage.”

Liecinieks highlights that modern technology allows for quick and safe repairs at a fraction of the cost of replacement. Simply replacing a damaged wheel can eat up resources.

“Manufacturing, delivering, and replacing a new disc requires external resources and increases our CO2 footprint. Repairing a scratched or damaged wheel

What ⁣are the main factors preventing Latvian drivers from choosing sustainable car repair ‍options?

## Repair ⁣or Replace? Latvian Drivers Weigh⁢ Sustainability

**Introduction:**

Welcome back to the show! ‍Today we’re diving into a topic close⁤ to many of our hearts: making sustainable choices, ⁤particularly when it comes to our cars.‌ We’ve got Kristaps Liecinieks, a Latvian insurance expert, joining us today to shed light ⁣on some interesting trends. Thanks for joining us, Kristaps.

**Kristaps:** It’s my pleasure to be here.

**Host:** So Kristaps, we hear a ⁤lot about people wanting to make responsible decisions, but when it comes to car maintenance,⁢ it⁢ seems things don’t always align with our good intentions. Can you tell us more about that?

**Kristaps:** Absolutely. While​ many ⁢Latvians express a strong desire for sustainable practices,​ those intentions often⁣ hit⁢ a roadblock when dealing ‍with car ⁤repairs. It boils down to a combination of factors,⁤ primarily cost concerns and ⁤a lack ‍of readily available sustainable options provided by ⁤service providers.

**Host:** That’s fascinating. You mentioned cost being a key factor. Can you ⁢give​ us a concrete⁢ example of where repair might be the more sustainable and economical choice?

**Kristaps:** Take windshields, for⁣ instance.

A minor chip might seem insignificant, but it

can rapidly escalate into a ‌larger crack due to temperature changes and‍ road vibrations. People often jump straight to a full windshield replacement,‍ assuming it’s the only solution.

**Host:** Right.

**Kristaps:** But ⁣modern repair techniques are ⁣incredibly effective and surprisingly affordable. In fact, ​ ​a high-quality repair is possible⁢ for chips smaller than a 2-euro coin, and it’s ‍a ​far more eco-friendly choice compared to replacement. However, only about 15% of our customers opt for repair.

**Host:** So, why do you think people are hesitant to choose repair even when it saves them money ‌and benefits the⁣ environment?

**Kristaps:** It’s often a sense of wanting the quickest and‍ easiest solution.

Some drivers might perceive replacement as more convenient, even ‍if it’s not the⁣ most sustainable option. There’s also a possible misconception that repairs aren’t as ⁣durable as replacements,

which ‍isn’t necessarily true with modern technology.

**Host:** That’s a great point about misconceptions.

Maybe more education and ‍awareness

are needed to highlight the benefits of car‌ repair over replacement​ in many situations.

**Kristaps:** Precisely. We need to move beyond just talking about sustainability and ‌start making more informed choices⁤ when it comes ‍to car maintenance.

**Host:** Well said, Kristaps. Thank You for sharing your insights with us today.

**Kristaps:** My pleasure.