Major warning to drivers as millions are putting lives at risk by dodging essential jobs on their cars

MILLIONS of hard-up motorists are putting lives at risk by driving with bad tyres and shot brakes because of soaring garage bills.

A damning survey has found 24.5million drivers — almost half the UK’s licence holders — dodge essential jobs on their motor.

More than a third of those said they do so because of increasing costs.

Some even described having repairs to their vehicle as “a luxury”.

Younger road users are the most likely to avoid vital safety repairs, with more than half of under-24s saying they are put off by sky-high prices.

Eighty per cent of the 1,502 drivers quizzed by MoT firm Fixter said among the reasons they feel the work is so expensive is that mechanics inflate their prices.

Replacing front and rear brake pads can cost up to £500 for small family cars or more than £700 for larger motors such as SUVs.

Brake discs will typically cost drivers up to £250, according to the RAC.

Budget tyres are around £50 each, while brands like Michelin and Goodyear are about £115 each, said KwikFit.

A Fixter spokesman said: “Cash-strapped Brits are cutting back on ­crucial maintenance, risking not only costlier fixes down the line but also the safety of themselves and others.”