Unexpected vehicle repair bills rise to £650 – RAC
Average unexpected vehicle repair bills have crept up £33 to £650 this year, according to new research carried out by the RAC.
Meanwhile, 65% of drivers have faced unexpected repair costs in the last 12 months, up from 59% the previous year, with 76% admitting they would find it difficult to find the money for an unexpected repair bill.
The research found that 57% of under-25s said they would find it hard to afford a bill of up to £500, while 40% of those aged between 45 and 64 and 30% of over 65s said a bill of up to £500 would be difficult to manage.
Replacing or repairing tyres is the most common unexpected vehicle cost (54%), followed by brake repair or replacement (26%), suspension repairs (18%), issues with 12-volt batteries (17%) and exterior light problems (16%).
Drivers with older vehicles are more likely to face unexpected repair bills: the rate among those with cars more than 10 years old is 74% compared to 65% overall.
Costs
To manage costs, 12% said they are having their car serviced less frequently than in the past while five per cent have given up on vehicle servicing altogether.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: “With the average cost of an unexpected repair rising to £650 this year, it’s little wonder that so many people are finding it difficult to meet the costs as that’s a bill no one wants.
“Looking after a car by having it serviced at the correct intervals and getting repairs carried out in good time, generally works out far cheaper than having to get a more major repair carried out in a hurry.
