Millions of motorists are avoiding car maintenance over fears of unexpected problems.
Around half of UK drivers (47 percent) worry about having to pay for unexpected car repairs. This is according to a survey of 2,000 motorists.
A quarter (24 percent) of those who worry about unexpected problems say this uncertainty is putting them off getting their car serviced.
The research found that drivers are paying hundreds of pounds to pass an MOT, with 5 percent paying £1,000 or more to get their vehicle through the test.
MOT stations can charge up to £54.85 for a car, but some outlets will encourage motorists by charging a reduced fee for the test.
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), nearly 50 percent of all faults found on MOTs could be avoided by carrying out regular maintenance or by checking some basic items before the test.
Further MOT analysis reveals that around 40 percent of cars fail their MOT at the first attempt, costing motorists time and money.
There are concerns that there could be millions of cars on the road that are in a less-than-perfect condition.
‘A nerve-wracking experience’
Lauren French, product manager at RAC MOT Assist, the company behind the research, said: “Clearly, taking a car in for a service or MOT can be a nerve-wracking experience with many drivers concerned about what might be uncovered, and the unpleasant financial consequences that can result.
“But it’s even more alarming that this experience is enough to put some people off getting their car serviced in the future. Just how many people are driving vehicles on the UK’s roads that they know have problems?
“The best advice to any driver is to keep on top of servicing and maintenance work – the quicker problems are identified, often the cheaper they are to remedy. But at the same time we know that running a car can feel burdensome, and that some drivers don’t feel confident finding an affordable but reliable garage, or trusting one with looking after their car.
“This is why we’ve built a national network of RAC approved independent garages that drivers can depend on for good service and fair prices, with every one of them backed by the RAC’s Customer Charter and Code of Conduct.“