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 barriers preventing Latvian drivers from‌ making more ‌sustainable choices regarding‌ car repair?

## ⁤Repair ‌or Replace:‍ A ⁢Conversation with Kristaps Liecinieks

**Host:** Welcome ⁤back ‌to‌ the⁤ show! Today we’re diving into the world of car maintenance and sustainability. Joining ⁤us is Kristaps Liecinieks, a Latvian insurance expert with⁣ insights into driver behavior ⁤and the environmental impact of our choices. Kristaps, thanks for being here.

**Kristaps:** It’s ⁤a pleasure to be here.

**Host:** Let’s ‌get straight to it. We often hear about the‍ need for sustainable choices. But when it comes to car⁣ repairs, are ‍Latvian drivers⁤ living up to ‍those ideals?

**Kristaps:** That’s‍ a good question. Many people say they want to make responsible decisions, but their actions don’t always reflect those desires. There’s a disconnect between⁣ intention and practice. Cost is often a major factor, and unfortunately, many service providers don’t offer a wide range⁤ of sustainable repair options. [[1](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/05/how-to-navigate-sustainability-in-the-automotive-industry/)].

**Host:** So, what are⁢ some examples of this discrepancy?

**Kristaps:** Consider windshield damage. ⁢It’s incredibly common, especially in‍ the summer when road repairs send up loose gravel. While a⁣ full replacement seems like the obvious choice, modern repairs are highly‌ effective and affordable.

**Host:** But why aren’t more people opting for repair?

**Kristaps:** There are a few reasons. Some people might simply⁢ be unaware that repair is​ a viable option. Others might feel a sense of distrust or worry about the quality⁤ of a repair. Though, the technology has really advanced​ to​ the point where a high-quality repair is completely ⁣possible, especially for smaller chips.

**Host:** So, repair is better for the planet and often cheaper for the driver. What can be done‍ to encourage ⁣more sustainable choices?

**Kristaps:** Increased awareness is crucial. Drivers need⁤ to know that repair is a viable, and often superior, ‍option. Service providers also have a​ role to play by offering a⁣ wider range of sustainable repair options and clearly communicating their benefits to⁣ customers.

**Host:** Thank you, Kristaps, for those insights. It’s clear that⁣ small changes in our‍ car ⁣maintenance ⁢habits can make a big difference for⁢ our wallets and ⁢the environment.

**Kristaps:** Absolutely. We all have a responsibility to make more sustainable choices.