70% of drivers 'do car maintenance'

Rip-off garages are driving more motorists to do their own car servicing, according to a survey.

As many as 70% of drivers are happy to carry out car maintenance, the poll by the RAC showed.

A total of 23% of the 2,000 drivers surveyed believed garages rip off unsuspecting motorists.

The most common task undertaken at home was checking and topping up oil, which more than half of drivers were happy to do themselves.

However, more complex tasks such as changing a wheel (31%), fitting new brake pads (9%), switching the battery (27%) and modifying fan belt tension (12%) were also attempted.

Those who had conducted their own vehicle maintenance estimated they had saved an average of £151 each in the past year, while 6% said they had saved upwards of £500.

Drivers aged 18-24 were almost twice as likely as any other age group to say that car repairs were unaffordable, and it was these young drivers who were also the most likely to lift the bonnet on their car, and to describe themselves as "car maintenance experts".

RAC technical director David Bizley said: "It is great to see that Brits are taking an interest in how their vehicle works and undertaking many of the simple checks and maintenance tasks which can prevent breakdowns.

"However, the rising cost of motoring is obviously taking its toll on drivers, and more must be done to ensure that owning a car in the UK is affordable for all."