Cost-of-living crisis drives dangerous car maintenance decisions and missed MOTs, warns RAC report
A significant number of drivers under the age of 44 are admitting to illegal and risky decisions about vehicle maintenance in a bid to save money during the cost-of-living crisis.
According to the latest figures from the RAC’s Report on Motoring, one-in-five drivers (20%) in this age group have skipped essential MOT tests or neglected to replace tyres when needed. The impact of these decisions has raised fresh concerns about road safety across the UK.
The survey also reveals that cost pressures are influencing drivers of all ages. One-in-10 admit to failing to replace worn tyres or delaying MOTs, which remain a legal requirement to ensure the UK’s 42 million vehicles are safe to be on the road.
Beyond MOTs and tyres, many drivers are putting off necessary repairs and services. Almost a fifth (19%) of those surveyed say they have cut back on routine vehicle maintenance to save money. The RAC warns that this pattern could lead to more cars breaking down, putting not just the drivers but also other road users at risk.
Younger motorists appear most affected. Among drivers under 25, over a third (36%) admit to ignoring repairs and reducing servicing. The rising cost of vehicle upkeep appears to be a major factor, with 74% of motorists stating that the expense of servicing has increased since last year. This is up from 69% in 2023.
Neglecting vehicle maintenance may seem like a short-term solution, but the cost implications can be severe. Sixty per cent of drivers faced unexpected repair bills in the past year, with an average cost of £617. Although 63% of these motorists managed to cover the expenses comfortably, 37% struggled. The problem is worse among younger drivers, with 45% of under-25s finding it difficult to pay for necessary repairs.
The data also highlights the financial strain on younger drivers. Half of under-25s say they would struggle to cover a repair bill of £500, compared to just 25% of those aged 65 or older. The figures paint a concerning picture of the pressures facing younger drivers and the potential risks of deferred vehicle maintenance.
RAC breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said: “It’s very worrying that so many drivers under the age of 44 appear to have risked breaking the law by not putting their vehicles through the MOT and running them on tyres that should have been replaced, all in an attempt to save some money.
“Safety on our roads is paramount. The MOT is a legal requirement for good reason: skipping it jeopardises the safety of all road users, including the driver. Tyres are a vehicle’s only contact with the road, so it’s vital they are in good condition and have plenty of tread – anyone who drives with poor tread or substandard tyres risks being involved in a collision.
“Those drivers who have taken the decision not to get their cars serviced or repaired might think they’re saving money, but they could very easily find themselves facing a far bigger garage bill for something which could have been cheaper to fix earlier on. They might also find themselves stuck in a breakdown situation at the side of the road, which can be both dangerous and expensive depending on whether they have the right roadside assistance cover.
“Fortunately, gone are the days when you have to spend time and effort getting your car to the garage for routine maintenance and repairs. The RAC now has a big nationwide team of Mobile Mechanics who can service or repair cars at drivers’ homes or workplaces at highly competitive prices.”
