Drivers are facing unexpected car repair bills that are costing them hundreds of pounds each year, with the average repair costing £617, according to new data from the RAC.
Nearly 60% of drivers report getting hit with surprise repair costs for their main vehicle, and the issue is only made worse by Britain’s crumbling road conditions. With potholes becoming a growing problem, it’s no surprise that tyres top the list of unexpected repair costs (64%), followed by brake repairs at 24%.
Another 20% of drivers found themselves dealing with suspension issues, likely caused by the nation’s pothole-filled roads. For cars aged 3-10 years, this figure jumps to 30%. The Asphalt Industry Alliance’s latest report revealed that the repair bill for local roads in England and Wales has hit a staggering £17 billion, while the Kwik Fit Pothole Impact Tracker found motorists are paying more than ever to fix pothole damage—averaging £144 per repair in 2024.
Other common unexpected costs include replacing exterior lights (15%), fixing bodywork (14%), and replacing faulty 12V batteries.
The situation is even tougher for younger drivers. The RAC found that 26% of drivers aged 17-24 admitted they’ve delayed car repairs due to the cost-of-living crisis. With the cost of car repairs expected to rise again in 2025 due to component shortages and inflation, many drivers are struggling to keep up. Some 37% of those facing unexpected repairs said they experienced financial difficulty paying for them.
As the cost of living continues to squeeze budgets, more and more drivers are putting off maintenance and servicing to save money. A worrying 56% of garages are expecting customers to delay essential repairs in 2025, making it clear that staying on top of car repairs will become even harder in the year ahead.
