New research reveals motorists are avoiding repairs due to limited finances.

MOT advisories may not be compulsory, but they are a warning of probable safety issues in the short term.

They are intended to encourage owners to carry out repairs as soon as possible, but they may drive their vehicle in the meantime.

Head in the sand

Almost a quarter of UK motorists have postponed fixing issues flagged during their vehicle’s MOT test because they worry about the cost, according to a new survey, raising fresh concerns about the potential impact on road safety.

Conducted by Tempcover, the research questioned 2,000 drivers and found that 24% have delayed acting on an MOT advisory due to expense.

Advisories highlight issues that are not serious enough to cause a test failure but may need attention in the near future.

Failing to carry out the repairs undoubtedly means some vehicles remain on the road with developing faults, posing a potentially dangerous risk to all other road users, as well as to the driver and any passengers in that vehicle.

Confused

The findings suggest many drivers are also unsure about how much common repairs actually cost.

Nearly two in five respondents (39%) said they did not know the price of at least one typical fix linked to common MOT failures.

This lack of awareness, experts warn, may lead motorists to delay repairs unnecessarily or feel more anxious about the annual test.

Uncertainty was particularly high for more technical components. A third of drivers (33%) said they were unsure of the cost of replacing a track rod end, a steering joint that helps the wheels turn accurately.

Meanwhile, 30% did not know the likely cost of replacing coil springs, which help absorb bumps and keep a vehicle stable.

Almost three in 10 were unsure about suspension arm replacements.

But even some of the simplest fixes left drivers guessing.

Around one in five motorists did not know how much it costs to replace brake pads, while 13% were unsure about a headlight bulb.

Furthermore, 12% said they did not know the price of new windscreen wipers, and 11% were uncertain about tyre replacement.

Paying the price

The survey also revealed widespread misconceptions about typical repair costs.

On average, drivers estimated that a tyre replacement would cost £104.48, whereas research suggests a budget tyre can cost about £56; we would always recommend higher-quality items.

Brake pad replacements were also overestimated, with motorists expecting to pay around £142.58 on average, although typical costs can range from roughly £99 to £135 depending on the vehicle and whether front or rear pads are replaced.

Respondents thought replacing a headlight would cost about £52, compared with a more typical price closer to £68.

Coil spring replacements were also priced too low by drivers in the survey, despite potentially costing significantly more depending on the car and whether front or rear springs are fitted.

Industry experts say misunderstandings about costs could be influencing drivers’ decisions about when — or whether — to carry out repairs.

Claire Willis-McKissick, a short-term car insurance expert at Tempcover, said the findings show motorists are trying to balance essential maintenance with rising living costs.

“Drivers often have to weigh car repairs against other household bills,” she said. “But planning for non-urgent work and comparing quotes from different garages can make a big difference to the final cost while helping keep vehicles safe and roadworthy.”

Despite concerns about repair bills, the research found that many drivers do little to reduce costs.

More than a third (36%) said they never shop around for repairs and always use the same garage.

Wood for the trees

Safety campaigners have long warned that ignoring vehicle faults, even those listed only as advisories, can increase the risk of breakdowns or collisions if problems worsen over time.

Components such as tyres, brakes and suspension are critical to a car’s ability to stop, steer and maintain grip on the road.

The MOT test itself is designed as a minimum safety standard for vehicles more than three years old in the UK.

Millions of cars undergo annual inspections, with common failure points historically including lighting and signalling faults, worn tyres, and brake issues.

Previous road safety research has suggested that while most drivers address serious faults that would cause an MOT failure, advisory notices are more likely to be delayed, particularly when repairs are perceived to be expensive or non-urgent.

However, mechanics warn that leaving problems unresolved can sometimes lead to higher costs later if parts deteriorate further or cause additional damage.

Experts say improving awareness of typical repair costs — and encouraging drivers to plan maintenance earlier — could help reduce both anxiety around MOT tests and potential safety risks on UK roads.