A lack of knowledge surrounding changes to the MOT test in May has left drivers digging deeper into their pockets, according to Green Flag.
With just over half of drivers (52 per cent) being unaware of what the test actually involves – 39 per cent opening admitting they don’t know and 13 per cent unable to state the correct MOT requirements – a third (31 per cent) of drivers admitted they wouldn’t have the knowledge to negotiate with garages. This is leading motorists to collectively overspend by £3.4bn – an average of £90 per vehicle.
A third even went on to say they felt apprehensive (34 per cent) or anxious (31 per cent) about negotiating with garages. The average repair logged in Cardiff was £381.33p with London rates over £500 and Nottingham under £350.
One of the primary concerns surrounding repair costs is that motorists are not confident about how much they should expect to pay. Just one in five men said they were confident about estimating costs, and only one in ten women said the same when asked in the nationwide survey.
Indeed, almost half (40 per cent) of drivers admitted they’d underestimated how much it would cost to repair their car – with inexperienced drivers (aged 16-24) the hardest hit.
Green Flag’s Smart Service, provided by RoadServe, is included as standard with all Green Flag breakdown policies, RoadServe acts as the middleman between drivers and garages to help drivers avoid overspending. Many consumers are also being charged for needless work.
The most popular up sells, unnecessary work and charges are:
- Brake fluid change
- Anti-freeze drain and refill
- Fuel/ oil cleaners
- Brakes – pads and discs (when wear is within safety limits)
- Wiper blades
- Battery replacement
- Tracking
- Oil top ups
- Tyres (when tread is well within legal limit)
- Pollen filters