When it comes to the MOT, two in five drivers are unsure how much it costs to fix some of the most common failures.
For many, the MOT can bring about anxiety, especially when it comes to the cost of repairs. But a new survey conducted by Tempcover has revealed a lack of awareness about how much some common failures are to have fixed.
Such misconceptions could impact vehicle safety, especially if these repairs are linked to advisories, rather than an outright MOT fail. With the cost-of-living crisis still lingering, being unaware of potential costs could see drivers leaving repairs for longer than is advisable.
The price of common MOT fails
According to the Tempcover survey, 39% of drivers questioned were unsure about how much at least one typical repair would cost.
The study asked drivers how much they thought it typically costs to fix some of the most common MOT failures. A third of respondents said they were not sure how much it would cost to replace a track rod end, and 30% said the same for replacing coil springs.
Even for simpler repairs, such as a new tyre or windscreen wipers, 11% and 12% of drivers respectively said they were not sure about the price.
Having an understanding of what to expect when repairs are needed can help drivers budget effectively, avoid overpaying, and ensure their vehicles remain safe on the road.
| MOT Fix | % of Respondents Admitting they are ‘Not Sure’ On Cost |
| Replace track rod end (new steering joint, so wheels turn accurately) | 33% |
| Replacing coil springs (new springs, so the car sits level and absorbs bumps) | 30% |
| Replacing a suspension arm (new part to keep wheels stable and steering safe) | 29% |
| Unblock washer jets (clear blockage so screen wash sprays onto windscreen) | 21% |
| Replacing brake pads (new pads, so the car can stop properly) | 20% |
| Replacing headlight bulb (new bulb so the light works and points correctly) | 13% |
| New windscreen wipers (new blades so they clear the windscreen properly) | 12% |
| Replacing a tyre (new tyre fitted if worn or damaged) | 11% |
While some of the repairs are not necessarily mainstream, the issue of replacing bulbs or tyres could cause some concern.
While some of these costs depend on driver choice, educating as to potential costs is not only a way of staying safe on the roads, but can also drive long-term customer relationships. If a vehicle owner is aware of the prices you quote, they may be more willing to come back to a garage that they understand, rather than continuously shop around. The survey found that 36% of drivers never shop around for prices, staying with one workshop once they understand the costs of repair.
Putting off MOT advisory repairs
After highlighting widespread uncertainty around repair costs, the research found that 24% of drivers have chosen to delay fixing an MOT advisory due to the expense involved.
While advisories don’t prevent a car from passing its MOT, the items flagged will need attention at some point, and planning for them can help drivers manage repairs more effectively.
Not repairing advisory items sooner rather than later can also lead to safety implications. A study by TyreSafe found that around two million vehicles failed their MOT in a year on tyre concerns. Of these, 750,000 had been advisories a year before.
