The temporary car insurance experts at Tempcover surveyed 2,000 UK car owners, revealing how financial concerns have driven many to take risks, attempting DIY fixes, delaying essential repairs, and turning to social media for vehicle diagnostics before seeking professional help.
Who’s turning to social media for car repairs?
- Younger drivers are leading the trend, with 90% of 35-44-year-olds using social media for repairs, while over-65s are the least likely, with just four in ten turning to online guides.
- Men and women are using social media at similar rates for DIY car repairs, with three-quarters of drivers relying on platforms for guidance (73% of women and 76% of men).
Relying on social media for motoring advice comes with risks, as misinformation can lead to unsafe DIY repairs, overlooked faults, and costly mistakes. With unverified tips circulating on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, drivers may unknowingly follow incorrect guidance, putting both their vehicles and safety at risk.
Further findings:
- One in four UK drivers (25%) have attempted DIY vehicle repairs to avoid paying a professional.
- Nearly one in five (18%) have tackled repairs themselves after a failed MOT to avoid garage costs.
- Almost three in ten (28%) admit to continuing to drive despite MOT advisories due to high repair costs.
- One in six (15%) have delayed or skipped an MOT test due to financial concerns.
Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, commented further on the findings:
“We understand financial pressures are leading many UK drivers to DIY car repairs. While this may seem like a saving, it can create safety risks – ignoring advisories or delaying essential repairs could result in dangerous issues going unnoticed, putting not only yourself but also your loved ones and others at risk.
“Having a valid MOT is a legal requirement, and improper repairs can lead to bigger costs, potentially resulting in an even more expensive garage visit than you were trying to avoid. Motorists should seek professional advice if uncertain about repairs – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
“And if your car’s in the garage, you can still easily access a family or friend’s vehicle with temporary car insurance. It’s a cost-effective and flexible way to stay covered for short-term needs, giving you one less thing to worry about during what can be a stressful time.”
You can find the full results of the survey here.
Haynes Come back we need your manuals
MoT Advisories can be nonsensical. By advising “undertrays fitted” with no explanation is unhelpful but advising that a tyre has close to the minimum tread depth is very helpful. It’s understandable that people are ignoring advisories when they’re as confusing as this.