Drivers could be forced to abandon vehicles at garages amid rising costs - 'Tough financial choices'

Experts are now warning that this trend could continue into 2025 with more than half (56 per cent) of garages expecting motorists to delay vital repairs including MOT checks.

Ignoring crucial maintenance on vehicles could land drivers with hefty fines if caught travelling in cars that are in an unroadworthy condition.

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Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “Households across the UK are facing some tough financial choices. While it may be tempting to cut back on car maintenance, this can lead to greater costs and safety risks down the line.

"We therefore encourage households to prioritise essential repairs that ensure their vehicles remain safe and legal when on the road.

"By shopping around at Motor Ombudsman-accredited garages, who help consumers make informed decisions about maintenance, households can protect their finances and ensure their vehicles serve them well for years to come."

The Ombudsman warned that by postponing maintenance, car owners may suffer “compounded mechanical issues” which require costly repairs and could lead to decreased fuel efficiency and an increased risk of breakdowns.

Meanwhile, 28 per cent of garages warned that customers could resort toabandoning their cars at garages if repairs become too costly or the vehicle proves “uneconomical” to fix.

A further 52 per cent expect repair costs for vehicles to unavoidably increase due to component shortages and inflation forcing prices up.

However, more than four in 10 garages did note that their businesses would help absorb these increased expenses to help protect consumers.

Under UK law, the fine for driving an unroadworthy vehicle is up to £2,500, plus three penalty points on a driving licence. However, depending on the severity of the case, drivers could face a driving ban if they already have points on the licence.

In a bid to keep costs low, 68 per cent of garagesexplained that customers tend to keep existing cars for longer and pay for repairs when needed rather than changing to a new car.

Offering tips on how to “ease” the financial burden presented by car ownership, Fennell called on car owners to put money aside for essential safety-related repairs and MOT tests.

He also suggested looking at the benefits of service plans with the Motor Ombudsman which can help offer fixed prices and spread payments over a set number of years for car repairs.

Drivers should look at taking out an extended warranty agreement to help “shoulder the burden of mechanical and/or electrical failures listed by policies,” Fennell added.

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According to the Ombudsman, its online reference tool saw a total of 137,554 article views on some of the most common queries on car ownership, vehicle maintenance and how to sort out payment plans for vehicle purchases.