Every driver in the UK at risk of ‘£100s worth of damage’ due to 1 mistake

Every petrol, diesel and electric car owner in the UK is at risk of picking up "hundreds of pounds worth of damage" due to a simple error at home, according to a top mechanic. Paul Nunn, Retail Director of ETB Autocentres stressed drivers could make matters worse by trying quick fixes to simple issues at home.

Motorists may think repairing their cars themselves is cheaper than visiting a garage and paying extra rates for labour charges. Anyone can order parts directly from suppliers and conduct the work on their driveway or garage for a fraction of the price. However, this could prove to be a false economy with inexperienced mechanics likely to make matters worse by fiddling around with components.

Paul said: ​​"We’ve seen customers try to 'fix' their vehicles, only to cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

"One customer recently tried replacing their own brake pads and didn’t secure them properly, resulting in a total braking failure on the road.

"Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the repair bill was eye-watering. That said, some simple habits can prolong component life and keep your vehicle running smoothly. But a professional service is still necessary to spot deeper issues."

It comes after recent data from the DVLA found thousands of road users were driving with potentially unsafe vehicles. Statistics show that a whopping 13,109 drivers were handed penalty points in 2024 for driving with defective brakes, tyres, or steering.

ETB Autocentres has urged drivers to book in to service their vehicle around every 12 months or 12,000 miles. However, there are other options available for those on a tight budget unable to pay out for a full service this Autumn.

A new survey from Saga Car Insurance has found that 82% of British road users worry about the potential cost of their vehicle service charges.

Paul added: "If you’re tight on budget, book at least an interim service if you can’t stretch to a full service. Interim services are usually for high-mileage drivers every six months or 6,000 miles to keep everything in good working order.

"It can cost under £100, but it’s less comprehensive than a full service, and only a temporary safety net that could prevent major costs down the line."