Drivers are being warned that the price of an MOT test could rise over the next decade as a result of expensive repair costs, while prices could reach significant levels in 50 years’ time.
Costs have become more expensive for drivers around the UK in recent years because of inflation forcing prices up and the hangover from the pandemic when factories were forced to shut.
Experts are now predicting that the cost of an MOT could rise to over £80 per test by 2034 when carrying out routine car maintenance, and even further if inflation stays the same in 50 years' time.
Recent data found that 25 per cent of drivers have either delayed or entirely refrained from carrying out simple fixes like changing a tyre or fixing a chipped windscreen because of the cost.
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Experts are warning that the price of an MOT test could rise in the coming years
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Currently, the most expensive car repair is a clutch replacement, which costs over £750 on average for the required kit and labour.
However, new estimates suggest that drivers could be forced to spend more than £1,100 in 2034 – although drivers could pay a lot more in repair costs if they avoid shelling out the money at the garage.
David Kottaun, operations manager at Scrap Car Comparison, said: “2023 was an expensive year for car repairs, with the cost of carrying out repairs increasing more and more for garages, leading them to hike up repair bills for motorists.
“Our research has shown that if car repairs continue to increase at the same rate they have been, drivers of the future could be facing bills of thousands of pounds simply to keep their vehicles on the road.”
The maximum fee for a car is £54.85, while owners of standard motorcycles will pay £29.65, although, when taking inflation into account, this could rise to £80 and £43 respectively in 10 years. Prices could increase even further to £372 for cars and £201 for motorcycles by 2074 if inflation rates remain the same.
Higher MOT costs apply for Class 4 vehicles which pay £64 and Class 5 vehicles fork out £80.50 or £124.50 depending on the number of seats.
Drivers must get an MOT test on the third anniversary of their vehicle’s registration and every year after that date. Government proposals to extend the initial MOT to four years were scrapped earlier this year.
The data from Scrap Car Comparison suggests that the average cost to repair a cracked windscreen is £677, although this could rise to £992 in 2034 and a staggering £4,583 in 2074.
Changing tyres can also be a frequent issue for motorists, especially if they cover long distances over the course of the year, with average replacement costs of £283 per tyre.
Experts are warning that it could rise to £415 next year and £1,919 per tyre in 50 years if inflation stays at the same rate.
David Kottaun added: “However, while the price hikes in our research predict an exponential increase when calculated using current rates of inflation, we hope this doesn’t actually turn out to be the case.
“With our previous research finding that motorists are refraining from making essential repairs due to the cost, it’s vital that we find a way to keep car repairs as affordable as possible for all drivers, so that every motorist can afford to stay safe on the roads, in addition to being there in the first place.
“We hope it never reaches the point where people are priced out of being able to travel freely to work, or to see their family and friends”.
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It costs an average of £283 to replace each car tyre
PA
How much common car repairs could cost (2024, 2034 and 2074)
1. Clutch kit & labour - £775 - £1,136 - £5,249
2. Cracked windscreen repair - £677 - £992 - £4,583
3. Suspension bushes replacement - £517 - £758 - £3,502
4. Cambelt and water pump replacement - £400 - £586 - £2,709
5. Tyre change costs (per tyre) - £283 - £415 - £1,919
