MOT FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION FOR MOTORISTS ON A BUDGET
The drivers of older cars are prepared to pay more than the owners of newer, more exotic vehicles to keep them on the road according to fresh research from Halfords Autocentres.
More than two thirds (66%) of drivers whose cars are worth less than £1,000 are prepared to spend over a tenth of the car’s value to ensure it remains roadworthy - compared to just 20% of drivers with cars worth over £10,000.
Rory Carlin from Halfords Autocentres explains: “Whether you’re the owner of a Maserati or a Mini, cutting back on maintenance is a false economy. However, our research shows that the drivers of less valuable cars are more willing to act upon faults as they arise.
“They are less able to afford large unforeseen bills that could effectively put the vehicle beyond economic repair but are just as dependent on their car as more affluent drivers, so guard against them by keeping on top of repairs.”
The findings are from Halfords Autocentres ‘Friend of the Motorist Study’ - a biennial look into driver behaviour and coincide with the single busiest month of the year for MOT testing. Almost 2.7 million vehicles (28% more than the annual average) will be examined by garages during March - of which the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency predict over 1 million will fail.
Commenting on the findings, Maria McCarthy author of The Girls' Car Handbook said: “The annual MOT test can be an anxious time – like waiting for exam results or watching your child go off on a school trip.
“Expensive work can mean a difficult choice needs to be made – especially if money is tight and there isn’t enough set aside to buy a new car. But taking advice from an experienced mechanic who’s familiar with your car will help.
“Knowledge is power, so drivers need to understand whether a repair is likely to result in many more miles of happy motoring or they are potentially throwing good money after bad.”
To read or download Halfords Autocentres Friend of the Motorists Study in full visit http://www.halfordsautocentres.com/friend-of-the-motorist
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Media contacts:
Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager - T: 01527 513410, M: 07738 751930, E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
James Dale, PR Co-ordinator - T: 01527 513315, E: james.dale@halfords.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
Friend of the Motorist research based 2037 respondents to a survey conducted by Your Say Pays during February 2014.
About Halfords Autocentres
As a leading independent MOT, car service, repair and tyre garage network, Halfords Autocentres carries out 400,000 MOTs a year. It employs highly trained ATA accredited technicians who use the latest in vehicle diagnostic equipment at over 300 UK sites to deliver dealership quality work at affordable prices.
Being independent experts means that we are able to service, repair and maintain any make or model of car in line with the manufacturer’s standards, whilst offering a local price match promise and peace of mind in the form of a minimum guarantee of 12 months or 12,000 miles on work carried out. (See website for terms and conditions).
The Halfords Autocentres name may be a recent addition to the Halfords Group, but our heritage spans more than three decades and we serve over 750,000 customers every year - with over 9 out of 10 of them being happy to recommend us to their friends.
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