Tightfisted Brits missing out on millions

Cutting corners on car maintenance and repairs could cost British motorists almost £50 million in failed MOT bills each year.

Cutting corners on car maintenance and repairs could cost British motorists almost £50 million¹ in failed MOT bills each year.

New research from RAC Auto Windscreens reveals that motorists’ reluctance to pay for minor repairs is to blame for 540,000² MOT failures each year.

Unwilling to shell out, motorists are scrimping on a number of minor maintenance and repair jobs which can cause a car to fail its MOT, including:

• 51% who don’t fix the horn
• 38% who haven’t repaired a chipped windscreen
• A third (32%) wouldn’t replace the fuel filler cap

Some ‘scrooges’ are even prepared to ignore major faults to save a bit of cash. Shockingly one in ten (10%) wouldn’t pay to repair the exhaust before an MOT test and more than one in seven (14%) wouldn’t see fixing the steering wheel as a priority.

Poor motoring knowledge also plays a part. As well as 0 economy by not undertaking minor repairs, Brits’ ignorance of MOT testing criteria means large numbers pay for the annual MOT test unaware that their vehicle is likely to fail:

• 70% are unaware they can fail for having a two tone horn
• Nearly half (45%) have no idea they can fail for a loose fuel cap
• 33% are clueless to the fact that a chipped windscreen will fail³

Minor repair procedures are quick and cost very little. For example, repairing cracked and chipped windscreens early means most motorists need not worry about insurance excess costs⁴ or time spent off the road, incurred with a full windscreen replacement.

MOT mishaps are hitting private motorists hard but companies are also bearing the cost of drivers’ carelessness. 42% of people questioned in the study – equivalent to 11 million motorists – drive as part of their job. Cars required to take a retest can expect to be off the road for at least 24 hours, equivalent to 88 million hours of lost productivity each year.

Adam Cracknell, spokesperson for RAC Auto Windscreens comments: “The cost of motoring is steadily growing so it’s understandable road users are trying to save where possible. Unfortunately, their efforts seem to have backfired. Being careful with money shouldn’t stop motorists from paying for relatively minor repair costs such as badly chipped windscreens and jammed doors. If dealt with early on, these items needn’t cost a lot and will certainly save a lot of headache and more money in the long run.”

RAC Auto Windscreens has put together the following MOT advice for motorists:

• A new car must be entered for its MOT after 3 years. After this point, drivers must ensure an MOT test is undertaken each year
• MOT tests should only be undertaken at an authorised garage. Those authorised by the Vehicle Inspectorate to carry out the test can be identified by their blue tree triangles logo
• The test station should make a manual available to motorists upon request. This will help to anticipate any possible problems before taking a car to be tested
• The test is more exhaustive than people might think. Be aware that requirements include fully operating windscreen wipers, a working horn and a bonnet that closes securely and safely
• Visit your nearest RAC Auto Windscreens fitting centre for a free pre-MOT check if you have any damage to your windscreen

To arrange an appointment at your nearest fitting centre call 0800 919 700 or for more information on RAC Auto Windscreens visitwww.rac.co.uk/windscreens

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RAC Press office contact

Jasmine Agbulos or Chris Lauwerys at Lexis PR on 020 7908 6421 or
020 7908 6465

Adam Cracknell at RAC Press Office on 01603 684916 or 07800 699517

Notes to editors

¹ Figure calculated using VOSA data for MOT test failures for 2004/2005 (6million), of which 9% were listed by type of defect as ‘other’ (i.e. not due to major faults with brakes, steering, tyres, diesel emission etc). This figure (540,000) was multiplied by £88.30 which reflects having to take a second MOT test for those that fail the first.

² According to VOSA data, 9% of MOT failures were listed as ‘other’ (i.e. not brakes, steering, lights, tyres or petrol emissions)

³ A chipped windscreen counts as a failure if the damage is not contained within 10mm circle in the ‘A zone’, (an area of the windscreen approximately 290mm wide and centred on the steering wheel) or damage not contained within a 40mm diameter circle in wiper sweep area on the windscreen. A vehicle may fail its MOT if the inspector deems the damage anywhere on the windscreen to be dangerous in any way.

⁴ The cost of windscreen repairs varies regionally. RAC Auto Windscreens repairs can cost as little as £25 compared with up to £55 at local garages. Motorists with fully comprehensive insurance policies won’t pay anything for repairs such as these provided the cost is less than the excess - typically around £60

*ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1000 adults aged 18+ by telephone between 21-23 April 2006. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk

About RAC Auto Windscreens

RAC Auto Windscreens provides a wholly owned and operated complete automotive glazing repair and replacement service (windscreens, rear windows and side windows) through the largest fitting centre network in the UK.

It is the only replacement windscreen specialist with its own manufacturing operation, producing 250,000 windscreens a year in a dedicated factory in Chesterfield.

Backed by a fleet of 1000 fully equipped mobile fitting units, RAC Auto Windscreens provides a 1 24/7 national service for more than 750,000 private and corporate customers every year.

About RAC

With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organizations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists’ needs. RAC incorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance and HPI.

Aviva bought RAC in May 2005. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 14 per cent.