Risk: More than one in four motorists say they would rather drive a car in poor condition than risk an inflated bill
Nearly three in five motorists feel they have been conned or overcharged when taking their car to the garage, a new survey suggests.
As a result, more than one in four say they would rather drive a car in poor condition than risk a high or inflated bill, according to car service expert Fixter.
With more motorists avoiding garages because of higher charges, many are resorting to fixing problems themselves.
One in three drivers delayed getting issues flagged in their MOT fixed last year due to the rising cost of living, according to online marketplace eBay.
It found that 45 per cent of motorists dread the prospect of an MOT more than going to the dentist (34 per cent), citing fears of what the garage would find and what it would cost to put right.
It is illegal to drive a vehicle in a dangerous condition and can result in a £2,500 fine, a driving ban and three penalty points on your licence.
Limvirak Chea, co-founder of Fixter, says: ‘Drivers are not only worried about the high costs of car maintenance, but often feel like they won’t be treated fairly at the garage and could be at risk of getting ripped off.
‘This clear lack of trust between drivers and mechanics can have devastating effects if drivers hesitate or avoid crucial car maintenance.’
How to find a garage you can trust
Taking you car into the garage can be a time consuming, costly and daunting process. Faced with trained mechanic it’s easy to feel on the back foot, but a basic understanding of the law, what questions to ask ad how to go about getting quotes will help you feel confident next time you take your car in.
What to ask your garage
Getting a quote
