Research has revealed the cost-of-living crisis is driving a new, and potentially dangerous trend for drivers in the UK.
A survey of over 4,500 car owners from WhoCanFixMyCar, has shown more people are carrying out DIY car repairs in order to save money. Over a third (36%) of UK drivers asked were more likely to attempt making their own car repairs than book a professional, due to the cost-of-living crisis.
The survey also revealed DIY repairs ended in failure 34% of the time, with a further 17.5% of repairers ‘uncertain’ of how successful they had been.
Car repair prices have increased drastically over the past few years, driven by increasing operational, spare parts and energy costs. Between 2020 and 2023, WhoCanFixMyCar’s data shows that the average price of a full vehicle service increased by 17%, and the average price of a clutch replacement saw an even steeper incline of 35%.
However, there is a risk DIY repairs could endanger road users and cost car owners more in the long run, especially since so few (37%) are taking the time to compare mechanic quotes first.
David Loy, Interim CEO at WhoCanFixMyCar, said: “Although it’s great that people have the confidence to work on their cars, our research shows that approximately one in three DIY repairs goes wrong. Ultimately, an incorrectly repaired car is an unsafe car. Some drivers may be unable to identify a bad repair until it’s too late, resulting in a costly breakdown or, worse, a road accident.
“It’s important that car owners understand the risks associated with DIY repairs and are working on their vehicles safely. If you have doubts about your mechanical know-how, we recommend booking a professional to do the job and using price comparison on platforms like ours to help you save money.”
