UK drivers overpaying for vehicle repairs by 25%
UK drivers could be paying 25% more than they should be for routine vehicle repairs, according to analysis from diagnostics speciality Carly.
It analysed data from more than 2.8 million diagnostic sessions carried out between January and October and concluded that drivers are significantly overpaying for common repairs to engines, transmissions and braking systems.
It estimated that drivers were overpaying to the tune 19%-23% for routine engine issues such as overheating and ignition faults. Prices for transmission issues such as fluid leaks and gear slippage were 15%-20% higher than they should be, while braking problems such as worn pads, discs and fluid leaks averaged 12%-16% above expected costs.
Based on these numbers, motorists could be charged £480-£500 for a repair which should only cost them £400.
Repair costs
Meanwhile, the data also suggested that inflated repair costs are widespread across all segments, from mainstream models to high-end vehicles.
Dali Ati, head of internationalisation at Carly, said:
“Drivers deserve transparency when it comes to repair pricing. The difference between what a repair should cost and what people are actually being charged can be significant, and most motorists simply don’t have the data to challenge it.”
