As temperatures fall, the risk of costly winter repairs increases. New research from Warrantywise, a leading used car warranty provider in the UK, indicates that many drivers prefer seeking help with vehicle issues rather than dealing with them alone. Women and older drivers are the least likely to check under the bonnet.
A recent OnePoll survey of 2,000 UK drivers found that 56% usually have someone else fix their vehicle issues, while only 6% prefer to do repairs themselves. An extra 22% said it depends on the problem, implying that even basic maintenance is often left to professionals.
In winter, with dark evenings, icy roads, and increased chances of breakdowns, many drivers feel less confident about carrying out repairs themselves. The study found that 77% of women do not feel comfortable changing a tyre, and 65% depend on others for car repairs.
Among drivers aged 65 and older, 59% seek assistance for repairs, with only 3% willing to fix a problem themselves. Conversely, younger drivers aged 18–24 are more proactive, with 15% generally handling issues independently—more than double the overall average in this survey.
Drivers aged 45–54 are the most reliant on others for repairs, at 63%. Even among those without a previous breakdown, 12% said they would still ask for help if something went wrong, compared to just 3% who would attempt to fix it themselves.
Research indicates that most people in the UK prefer to have experts deal with car problems. However, some exceptions exist. Drivers in London tend to be more confident, with 9% saying they usually fix issues themselves, while Northern Ireland has the highest rate (27%) of drivers willing to handle problems independently. Conversely, the South East (64%) and South West (63%) have the greatest number of drivers relying on others for assistance.
Antony Diggins, Managing Director at Warrantywise, said: “Winter is the hardest season for cars—cold starts, dead batteries, and slippery roads can cause problems. Modern vehicles are filled with sensors, computers, and hybrid parts, so even a small issue may need special tools or software to fix.
“Our research shows that many UK drivers—especially older drivers and women—do not feel ready to make repairs themselves. That’s why having a good warranty plan and roadside assistance is essential in winter.”
For the millions of drivers who depend on assistance to keep their cars running, Warrantywise provides extended warranty and emergency recovery plans tailored for the UK’s older vehicles. The average age of cars in the UK now exceeds 10 years, and many drivers own vehicles that are no longer covered by their manufacturer warranty. Warrantywise plans cover mechanical and electrical repairs, diagnostics, and labour costs, helping to mitigate the increased risk of breakdowns during winter.
- For more information, you can visit www.warrantywise.co.uk.
FAQ’s…
Why do many UK drivers prefer to seek help with vehicle issues rather than doing repairs themselves, especially in winter?
Many UK drivers prefer to seek help because winter conditions like icy roads, cold starts, and slippery surfaces make self-repair more difficult and risky, and modern vehicles often require special tools or software for repairs.
Which groups of drivers are the least confident in repairing their cars themselves?
Women and older drivers are the least confident in repairing their cars themselves, with a significant percentage relying on others for assistance during winter.
How does age influence a driver’s likelihood to attempt repairs independently?
Younger drivers aged 18–24 are more proactive and more likely to handle repairs themselves, while older drivers aged 65 and above largely prefer to seek help, with only 3% willing to do repairs independently.
What regions in the UK show higher confidence in drivers fixing their own vehicles?
London has a higher proportion of drivers (about 9%) who usually fix issues themselves, and Northern Ireland has the highest rate (27%) of drivers willing to independently handle problems.
What measures does Warrantywise recommend to ensure safety and reliability during winter driving?
Warrantywise recommends having a good extended warranty plan and roadside assistance to cover mechanical and electrical repairs, readying drivers for the increased risk of breakdowns during winter.
