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 some of ​the reasons Latvian drivers might opt for windshield replacement instead of⁤ repair, as suggested​ by ‌Kristaps?

## Repair or Replace: Are Latvian Drivers⁤ Making‍ Sustainable ‍Choices?

**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing a topic that⁣ affects us ⁣all: car repair. Are Latvian ⁢drivers‌ prioritizing sustainability ⁣when their vehicles need fixing, or are old habits hard to break? Joining me today is Kristaps Liecinieks, a Latvian insurance expert with ⁢valuable insights on this issue. ‌Welcome, Kristaps!

**Kristaps:** Thank you ‌for having me.

**Host:** Kristaps, your recent statements​ have​ sparked discussion around car repair habits in‍ Latvia. You’ve mentioned a disconnect between⁣ people’s desire for sustainability⁣ and their actual choices. Can you elaborate?

**Kristaps:** Absolutely. Latvians, like people everywhere, are⁣ increasingly concerned about the environment.⁢ However, when it comes to car repairs, cost and convenience⁢ often outweigh those concerns.‍ Many drivers opt for complete replacements when simpler, sustainable repairs could be a viable solution.

**Host:** ⁤Let’s take a specific example. You’ve⁤ highlighted windshield repair. How does that illustrate this ⁢issue?

**Kristaps:** It’s a perfect example! Small ​chips in ⁣windshields are‍ common, especially during summer road ⁣repairs. People might assume a full replacement ‍is necessary, but advanced repair techniques can ‍effectively address chips smaller than a 2-euro ⁢coin. It’s⁣ safer, more affordable, and significantly more environmentally friendly than a replacement.

**Host:** Yet you’ve‍ found that only 15% of your customers choose repair. What’s holding people back?

**Kristaps:** There⁤ could be several‌ factors at play. Some may simply ‌not be aware‍ of repair as a viable option. Others might underestimate the effectiveness ⁢of these modern techniques. Perhaps there is‌ a perception that repair is a temporary fix or affects the structural integrity of the windshield. But the reality is, high-quality repairs ‍are just as ‍strong as a brand-new windshield.

**Host:** So, what’s the takeaway for Latvian drivers?

**Kristaps:** It’s about making informed ‍choices. Before opting for a costly replacement, consider if a sustainable repair is possible. Ask your mechanic about repair options and don’t hesitate to seek second opinions. Choosing repair when appropriate is a win-win: it⁤ saves​ you money, reduces waste, and⁣ minimizes your ‌environmental impact.