A faulty car can mean a broad spectrum of issues, from an irritating but comparatively inconsequential sticky electric window to dangerously worn brake pads or tyres.
However, according to research from car maintenance and ownership service motoreasy.com, nearly one in five drivers will knowingly put off repairs to their vehicle in an effort to save money.
Figure increases to 25% for under 55s
Based on a survey of 2,000 drivers, nearly 25% of under 55s admit to ignoring problems with their vehicle, the figure dropping to just 8.5% for over 55s.
The survey also shows that drivers in the North West and East Midlands are the least likely to ignore a necessary repair, at 14.8% and 15% respectively. Conversely, those in Scotland and the South East are most likely to skimp on getting faults seen to, at 22.8% and 20.6% respectively.
Reflecting the national average of 18.8% are drivers in London, 18% of which admitted to ignoring issues with their car.
Faulty cars a risk to all road users
Duncan McClure Fisher, motoreasy, said: “Drivers are clearly prioritising other commitments if faults occur between annual MoT tests.
‘Naturally, that comes with a risk – especially if it relates to safety-critical items like brakes, steering, power and visibility.’
‘That is a risk to all road users, not just the faulty vehicle and its occupants.’
Plans are also afoot to extend the start of MOT testing on new cars from the current three years after registration to four years, meaning that any known faults will remain on the car for longer before drivers are obliged to get them fixed.
Not every fault will be picked up by MOT tests
However, an MOT test may not always highlight a wide range of potential vehicle faults – leaving it entirely up to the driver as to when the problem is fixed.
For example, non-structural rust, an illuminated engine management light or faulty clutch would not necessarily cause an MOT failure, yet the latter two could lead to a breakdown – one which could put the driver and other road users at risk.
And as a general rule, the longer a problem is left the more likely it is to cause damage to other parts of the vehicle – increasing the overall repair cost.
