That's according to Kwik-Fit, which has looked into attitudes amongst Britain's 300,000 car owning students - some 25% of the total student population.
It shows that around one-in-five (20%) car owning students have driven an unroadworthy car in a bid to save money.
The figure jumps to more than one third (37%) amongst male car owning students.
But it's not just necessities such as books, rent and food that are taking priority over car maintenance.
Indeed, one third (32%) of car owning students confessed that they would choose to blow their last £50 on a big night out rather than replace an illegal tyre - even if it meant driving home on it the next day.
For concerned parents, vouchers for car maintenance or even pre-bookings for a service and MoT can be made through the company's website at www.kwik-fit.com.
Furthermore, any students who are unsure about the safety of their car can visit their local Kwik-Fit centre where they will receive a free check.
David White, Customer Services Director, Kwik-Fit, comments: "It is only natural that students want to spend what little remainder they have of their student loans on leisure pursuits, but this mustn't be at the cost of road safety."
Over three quarters (76%) of car owning students said that the financial responsibility for maintaining their motor lies with themselves, while 24% rely on their parents.
Posted on 27.11.2009
