OVER 60 PERCENT OF MANCHESTER DRIVERS DON’T FEEL COMFORTABLE PERFORMING BASIC CAR REPAIRS

Research conducted by Holts revealed that 61 per cent of Manchester drivers don’t feel comfortable when performing basic car repairs
The study also revealed that on average Manchester drivers spend between £200-£500 a year on fixing problems with their car
One in five drivers in Manchester have missed an important baby event due to breaking down

New research into the hidden costs of breakdowns has found that drivers in Manchester spend on average between £200- £500 a year fixing problems with their cars, and it’s not surprising given that 61 per cent of drivers in the Manchester area don’t feel comfortable performing basic car repairs.

The study² of 2,000 UK drivers, commissioned by car repair and maintenance company, Holt Lloyd International, highlighted the hidden costs associated with having to call for help in the event of a car emergency, and uncovered drivers attitudes towards breaking down.

Alongside repair and maintenance expenses, other hidden costs could include a loss of wages if drivers are forced to take time out of work to deal with issues, which could potentially cost £128 per day³ for full time workers. Also, drivers could be missing out on important life events and milestones, particularly when over one in four (29 per cent) drivers in Manchester have waited between two to five hours for help in the event of a breakdown.

One in five drivers in Manchester admitted to missing an important baby event, such as a christening or baby shower (25 per cent) due to breaking down, closely followed by a birthday party (22 per cent).

The research also found that in 2017 alone, Brits spent up to £330 million⁵ on emergency breakdown cover, which includes a number of people breaking down without cover and therefore potentially requiring an instant sign up fee.

When it comes to breaking down, clutch issues (19 per cent) came out on top in the poll, closely followed by the engine over heating (16 per cent).

Surprisingly, when drivers in Manchester are stuck on the road, 17 per cent would call their sibling, with 14 per cent also choosing to call their partner, indicating that trusted loved ones are the preferred port of call to solve problems.

Tavia Spencer, brand manager at Holts commented on the findings: “Our research highlights that drivers are spending excessively when it comes to repairs on the car, especially when many of these can be fixed at home or by the road side. You often don’t need to be a fully trained mechanic or savvy under the bonnet, there are simple solutions available which will reduce call outs and lost time.

“If drivers were more confident doing basic repairs on their cars, the money saved could be spent on more fun activities. For example, two people could go to the cinema 28 times⁷ in a year if they didn’t spend money on breaking down, or experience a weekend away in Berlin, Germany⁸. Coffee lovers could even enjoy 240 cups⁹ in a year. We’re trying to encourage drivers to look at alternative options and spend their money on life’s little luxuries instead.

“While breaking down can be a real inconvenience and cause a number of disruptions, there are processes and emergency products available to help drivers get back on the road in a simple way with minimal fuss.”

When it comes to breaking down in Manchester, the top five reasons include: