Drivers stick with worn tyres to cut costs
One in 10 motorists in the UK avoid booking MOTs or replacing worn tyres due to cost pressures.
Research carried out by the RAC revealed that young drivers are most likely to delay necessary repairs or tyre replacements, with 25% of those under 25 and 21% of those aged 25-44 admitting they have driven unroadworthy cars.
The data found that across all age groups, three per cent of drivers have deliberately avoided their MOT and seven per cent have not replaced worn out tyres.
Cost is the main factor, with 60% of drivers saying maintaining or repairing their vehicles has become more expensive in the last year and 32% admitting they are worried about higher repair or maintenance prices.
RAC has warned this situation will be exacerbated by rising fuel costs, with a tank of petrol £89 now compared to £74 a year ago and diesel up from £79 to £100 over the same period.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “It’s concerning that so many drivers appear to be risking breaking the law by not having a valid MOT or driving on bald tyres. With the average repair bill climbing to almost £700, it’s little wonder that so many people are finding it difficult to make ends meet.
“But kicking the can down the road and delaying repairs to your vehicle or putting them off altogether is a false economy. Often, it makes the problem worse, which can lead to a more expensive bill down the line.
“More importantly, it may mean that your vehicle is unsafe and illegal to drive. Bald tyres drastically increase the risk of a collision as they increase stopping distances, and are at greater risk of unexpected blowouts.
