Most Brits are struggling with motoring costs, with 81% concerned with meeting at least one motoring-related cost in the next 12 months, with fuel (62%), repairs (43%) and insurance (40%) the top three expenses they are most worried about, according to a new survey from Halfords.
Many of those surveyed said they were having to compromise on other areas of expense. Over a third (36%) said they are having to spend less on socialising in order to meet their motoring costs, while 26% say they are impacting their ability to pay household bills, and 31% say they are compromising on their weekly food shopping to meet car costs.
In addition, four in 10 motorists (38%) said they had concerns about, or definitely won’t be able to afford their next MOT, with a further 17% saying they’re not sure if they will be able to or not. Among these, 45% say that if they can’t afford an MOT, they plan to keep driving their car regardless.
In addition, 17% of drivers – equating to millions of motorists – admit they have driven a car without a valid MOT certificate in the past 12 months. A further fifth (21%) said that they know someone else who has, sparking concerns about the number of unsafe vehicles on UK roads.
Off the back of these findings, Halfords has announced that it will offer 1,000 free MOTs to families who are struggling to make ends meet and rely on their vehicle, through a partnership with Family Action. The charity – which provides practical, emotional and financial support – will be giving the MOTs directly to families who need them the most.
Halfords is warning Brits to ensure they prioritise their MOT in their budgeting, as driving without one is illegal and will also, in most instances, invalidate insurance. To make this as affordable as possible, the retailer is offering £10 off MOTs to anyone who signs up to its Motoring Club.
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