Drivers across the UK are facing increasing financial pressures due to unexpected car repair bills that average £617 annually, making it a significant concern for many. A recent report from the RAC reveals that almost six in ten drivers (60%) experience surprise repair costs on their main vehicle. The financial strain becomes particularly acute as 37% of these drivers admitted they struggle to cover these costs.
Tyres represent the most common unexpected expense, with about 64% of drivers reporting this issue, followed by brake repairs that affect 24% of motorists. Another troubling statistic highlights that 21% of drivers incur costs related to new suspension parts, an issue often attributed to the UK’s notoriously poor road conditions, particularly the prevalence of potholes. This problem is exacerbated for drivers of vehicles aged between three to ten years, where the need for suspension repairs jumps to a staggering 30%.
Finance-related difficulties affect younger drivers particularly harshly. The RAC study found that 26% of respondents aged 17 to 24 have delayed necessary repairs due to the cost-of-living crisis gripping the UK.
The costs of maintaining vehicles are set to escalate due to ongoing inflation and component shortages, increasing the burden on drivers who are already managing tight budgets. With 56% of UK garages expecting to see customers delaying essential repairs in 2025, the trend indicates a growing problem for vehicle maintenance.
Paul Coward, chief executive of the RAC's service, maintenance and repair division, emphasized the challenge drivers face: “Unexpected car repairs are something every driver dreads. This is even more the case for the estimated third of drivers who find it hard to cover these costs.” Coward further explained the reliance on vehicles: “We know from long-term RAC research that eight in ten people depend on their cars, so any time a vehicle is off the road it can cause huge problems.”
The concerning state of the roads further compounds these issues. The Asphalt Industry Alliance recently reported that the cost of repairing local roads in England and Wales has risen to an eye-watering £17 billion. This disrepair has had economic impacts on motorists, with the latest data from the Kwik Fit Pothole Impact Tracker revealing that the average cost to fix pothole damage has climbed to £144 per repair in 2024.
Drivers are not just facing the immediate dangers associated with worn tires and brakes; they are contending with a cycle of increasing repair costs that could strain their finances for years. Additional unexpected costs include replacing exterior lights (15%) and fixing bodywork damage (14%), alongside replacing worn-out 12-volt batteries.
The RAC is adapting to these challenges by expanding their mobile mechanics service, providing solutions that can save drivers time and ensure that repairs are made as efficiently as possible. This is an additional service making it easier for customers; for instance, customers can now spread the cost of repairs over three payments through Klarna.
However, the trend of drivers delaying essential maintenance leads to a worrying cycle. Garages struggle to manage the influx of delayed repairs while the percentage of drivers willing to defer servicing continues to grow. The impact of the cost-of-living crisis on maintenance habits adds urgency to the need for better road conditions.
Government and local authority actions have not sufficed to address the road safety concerns and the endless cycle of unexpected repairs. As inflation rises, many customers cut down on essentials, including car maintenance, leading to more breakdowns. The RAC has previously reported that in 2024, 53% of businesses noted customers delaying routine maintenance such as servicing to cut costs.
Looking forward, motorists should brace for additional costs as garages prepare to increase their prices in response to ongoing supply chain issues. The RAC's data predicts that the combined pressure of inflation and rising costs for components could ultimately lead to even higher bills for repairs.
As financial troubles continue to mount for many in the UK, the prospect of managing vehicle repair costs is daunting. Industry experts have noted that consumers might find it increasingly difficult to keep up with maintenance as they balance various financial commitments. In this scenario, effective communication between drivers and service centers is essential to ensure that essential repairs can be managed and maintained.
As Britain grapples with its crumbling road infrastructure and the associated costs of car repair, one thing is clear: the conversation about vehicle maintenance is only going to get louder, especially as adjustments in the cost of living become more pronounced. With drivers detailing the financial toll of repairs, it remains to be seen how this will shape the future of vehicle ownership and maintenance habits in the UK.
