Drivers making 'costly mistakes' when repairing vehicles could leave them with a £1,279 bill
Most drivers have started fixing and maintaining their car themselves
PA
Almost half of all UK motorists have admitted to “botching” a car repair or maintenance job, with the average cost to repair their mistake reaching £803.
Drivers in the North East of England had to pay the most to get a professional to fix their attempt at fixing their car, forking out £1,050.
With the cost of living crisis still affecting millions of Britons, many are taking DIY maintenance tasks into their own hands in a bid to save money.
Drivers in Wales see the cheapest professional fixes, paying at least £478 if their repair had gone wrong, according to Aviva.
The average repair cost could set drivers back £803
PEXELS
The three most common mistakes include checking and topping up fluids, replacing the car battery and replacing a broken interior component like door handles or seatbelts.
Hybrid and electric vehicle owners were the most in favour of trying to repair their vehicles at 97 per cent and 96 per cent respectively.
While they may be more confident in repairing their cars than petrol and diesel owners, they may have to pay a hefty premium to fix their mistakes.
On average, hybrid car owners admitted to paying £998 to correct a repair gone wrong, with EV motorists paying professionals around £1,279 to do the job properly.
Hazel Johnson, Director of Motor Claims at Aviva, commented on the data, saying that drivers should seek professional help if they are concerned about their vehicle.
She said: “Our data shows that the majority of drivers have tried to repair or maintain their car themselves, which could be partly due to the breadth of advice available at their fingertips, as well as the desire to cut costs.
“While motorists are understandably trying to save money, repairing or maintaining your car incorrectly can be a costly mistake to make – especially if you heavily rely on your car.
“If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to seek professional help in order to avoid paying potentially hundreds of pounds to correct a DIY repair gone wrong.”
The UK has seen a major shift in the way drivers deal with issues relating to their cars, with 97 per cent now saying they maintain vehicles themselves.
This is a dramatic increase compared to just 75 per cent when asked in 2013 – highlighting how drivers are becoming more confident with repairs.
Most drivers have improved their belief in their repair skills thanks to an abundance of videos advising drivers on how they can deal with car issues.
Motorists are also flocking to forums, websites and blogs, as well as helpful tips on social media.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Most drivers feel more confident fixing their cars now compared to 10 years ago
PEXELS
Despite making these mistakes, a staggering 80 per cent said they would persist and continue fixing or maintaining their vehicles.
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