Urgent £800 alert to anyone ignoring key warnings on their cars

A expert has warned drivers over a "false economy" as car owners delaying essential maintenance to their vehicles could be left with a hefty £800 bill.

, an independent and impartial automotive dispute resolution body, warns drivers that delaying essential vehicle maintenance to can ultimately lead to higher repair costs. The company conducted a UK-wide survey of garages and car repair shops and found that more than half (56%) have frequently seen customers delay essential repairs and servicing.

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Additionally, 86% said that increased costs are the most common consequence of putting them off. According to these garages, car owners who delay routine maintenance checks are more likely to worsen any existing issues, making the repairs more expensive and time-consuming.

Typically, motorists who delay required repairs will incur an additional bill of £807.77 on top of what the work would have cost them had they taken their car in in good time. Most garages (86%) said that increased repair costs were the most common consequence of postponing maintenance. Meanwhile, three-quarters (73%) agreed that delays in maintenance checks dramatically reduce vehicle reliability.

Chief Ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, Bill Fennell, says: “We understand that many consumers are looking for ways to cut costs in the face of further rises in household bills, but delaying vehicle maintenance can prove a false economy. Our research shows that ignoring warning signs or skipping scheduled servicing often results in far greater repair bills and can even compromise vehicle safety and that of passengers.”

A total of 83% of car manufacturers agreed that failing to stick to servicing intervals recommended by vehicle manufacturers appeared to be the most common and costly mistake made by car owners. Other costs that can add up are ignoring dashboard warning lights (77%), driving with low oil or fluids (68%) and turning a blind eye to squeaks and rattles (58%).

More than half (55%) of repairers said drivers often put off replacing worn or damaged tyres. However, drivers are warned that if they get caught doing so, they will suffer from reduced fuel efficiency, but they could also be fined £2,500 per tyre for failing to meet legal tread depth and 12 points on a driving licence.

Examples of escalating costs

Motorists often put off relatively low-cost work until it causes significant damage. For instance, a coolant leak, fixable for £260, can lead to overheating and repairs costing £660.

Furthermore, overlooking a timing belt replacement, typically costing around £600, can result in catastrophic engine damage and an almost £5,400 repair bill. At the same time, also potentially rendering the car unrepairable.

So, while you may think that delaying car repairs is a good way to save money in the short term, in the long term, you could actually be making matters far worse by racking up a hefty repair bill.