Nearly two thirds of technicians have reported a rise in work from botched DIY vehicle repairs.
According to a study carried out by FixMyCar, 58% of those surveyed said they had seen an increase in the number of cars arriving at their bodyshops needing professional remedial work after failed homemade repairs.
Meanwhile, 30.6% said the increase was ‘significant’.
More than one in five drivers (22.2%) admitted to performing DIY repairs or maintenance on their vehicles in the past year to save money.
Now, FixMyCar has warned drivers against taking on jobs such as brake repairs, engine diagnostics and extensive bodywork, saying that in many cases it will cost them more in the long run.
Matt Wrankmore, head of garage network at FixMyCar said: “This research confirms what we’ve been hearing from our mechanics nationwide – bodgeflation is real. Simple maintenance like checking fluids or changing wiper blades is great for DIY, but when people attempt complex repairs to save money, it often backfires.
“Getting professional help from trusted mechanics for these types of jobs is always more economical, and far safer, in the long run.”
