More than a third of UK drivers would rather fix minor car issues themselves than pay a professional to do it, eBay UK reveals
More than a third (35%) of UK motorists would rather fix minor car issues themselves than pay for a professional to do it, new research by eBay UK* has revealed. The news comes as many car owners face the prospect of fixing advisory notices, following the busiest MOT month of the year in March.
Saving money is a key reason for savvy drivers taking it upon themselves to fix problems, but some avoid dealing with issues altogether. According to eBay’s study, 34% of motorists delayed getting MOT advisories fixed last year due to rising living costs, with another 33% stating that they were unable to afford the repairs.
With one-in-10 claiming they don’t think advisories are a big deal, it’s no wonder that nearly a quarter (22%) admitted to delaying repairs for as long as possible.
The eBay UK research also reveals that the most common MOT failure issues were inoperative lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (23%), followed closely by suspension (18%), brake issues (14%) and defective tyres (13%), many of which could be easily avoided.
With drivers keen on fixing minor car issues themselves, eBay provides a one-stop online marketplace that makes it easy to find the right part for a specific make and model of vehicle. From replacing blown light bulbs, to frayed windscreen wipers and worn tyres, or topping up screenwash, eBay is on hand to deal with simple fixes.
Arjang Salehi, Category Lead – Vehicle Parts and Accessories eBay UK Ltd, said: “According to eBay research, 45% of motorists dread the prospect of an MOT more than going to the dentist (34%) and this anxiety is caused by fear of the unknown. What’s the garage going to find and how much is it going to cost to put it right – those are the biggest fears.”
Arjang Salehi continued: “At eBay we have all the items a driver might need to fix MOT advisories, and it’s our goal to make that process as easy as possible with the My Garage function, which helps motorists find the right item for their car, and our Assured Fit promise, which offers free returns if a part doesn’t fit.”
Hannah Gordon, eBay UK’s expert mechanic, said: “The car is an essential part of many people’s lives, so being without it due to an MOT fail plays into the dread that many people feel around the annual test. Often, minor faults such as frayed windscreen wipers can be easily replaced, and by searching on eBay UK you can save time and money by sourcing and fitting the parts yourself.”
Using data obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) via a Freedom of Information request across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, eBay has also identified the locations with the highest average MOT failure rates in 2023, as well as the top reasons for failing the MOT test.
TOP 10 PLACES MOTORISTS ARE MOST LIKELY TO FAIL THEIR MOT
- Kirkcaldy – 37.38%
- Llandrindod Wells – 36.37%
- Dundee – 36.30%
- Truro – 36.13%
- Plymouth – 36.02%
- Exeter – 35.67%
- Torquay – 35.63%
- Salisbury – 34.20%
- Bristol – 34.11%
- Bath – 34.05%
TOP 10 REASONS FOR MOT FAILURE
- Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment – 23%
- Suspension – 18%
- Brakes – 14%
- Tyres – 13%
- Visibility – 10%
- Body, chassis, structure – 7%
- Noise, emissions and leaks – 6%
- Steering – 4%
- Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems – 2%
- Identification of the vehicle – 0.75%
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