DIY roadside maintenance incidents increasing

20th November 2009

The RAC has issued a warning to motorists of the potential financial risks involved with DIY car maintenance over the recommended standard breakdown cover. With the current economic downturn, many financially hit motorists have taken vehicle maintenance and repairs into their own hands. According to a recent survey carried out by the RAC, a typical roadside breakdown event costs around £195 compared to the fully comprehensive breakdown cover offered by RAC which starts from only £71.25 for a year.

RAC Patrols have in recent months found themselves encountering more situations where motorists are attempting to fix problems themself ranging from patching up their fuel tank to dangerous makeshift wiring as they look to cut costs on their car bills.
 
The average cost of towing a broken-down vehicle off the motorway is now at least £150 and the pain behind the wheel doesn’t end once the tow to the garage is complete. The average price of skilled labour is currently £90.61 per hour, which is pushing up the cost of common repairs for motorists.

RAC patrol member, Prakesh Patel has said “It’s a tough time for motorists but our commitment to carrying out permanent roadside repairs wherever possible means we can help our members avoid hefty garage bills. We’re driving down the need for repeat callouts, they’re down by 3000 a month, and working more closely with local garages and parts suppliers. So far this year, we’ve attended and permanently repaired over 1.3 million RAC members saving them at least £120 each through repairing their vehicles at the side of the road.”

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