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
Can you provide specific examples of car repairs that are often unnecessarily replaced instead of repaired in Latvia, and explain the environmental impact of this practice?
## Repair or Replace: Are Latvian Drivers Choosing Sustainability?
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show, Kristaps. Today we want to discuss a topic close to many hearts – car repairs. While we all talk about making responsible choices, are Latvian drivers actually walking the walk when it comes to fixing their vehicles?
**Kristaps Liecinieks:** Thanks for having me. It’s a complex issue. While the desire to be environmentally conscious is definitely there, the reality is that many drivers struggle to make sustainable choices when it comes to car repairs.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on that? What are the main barriers preventing sustainable choices in car repair?
**Kristaps Liecinieks:** There are two main obstacles. Firstly, cost is a significant factor. Many people prioritize what seems to be the cheapest option upfront, even if it’s ultimately less sustainable or even more expensive in the long run. Secondly, the limited availability of sustainable repair options makes it difficult for people to choose them even if they wanted to.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned cost. Can you give us a specific example of a repair that’s often unnecessarily replaced rather than repaired, and how that impacts the environment?
**Kristaps Liecinieks:** Take windshields for instance.
A small chip might seem inconsequential, but left unchecked it can spread, leading to a full replacement. Modern technology allows us to effectively repair even fairly large chips at a fraction of the cost of a new windshield.
**Interviewer:** That sounds surprisingly simple!
**Kristaps Liecinieks:** It is! Yet, only about 15% of our customers choose repair over replacement. Many drivers seem to be unaware of this option or feel that a new windshield is safer or simply more convenient.
**Interviewer:** So, even though repairing a windshield is cheaper and better for the planet, there’s a gap between awareness and action.
**Kristaps Liecinieks:** Exactly. We need to raise awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of opting for repair whenever possible.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue, Kristaps. It’s clear that we all have a role to play in making more sustainable choices when it comes to our cars.
