Research from Aviva found 45% of drivers have failed a car repair or maintenance job that then needed professional help to fix, costing them an average of £803. That average rises to £1,050 for UK drivers in the North East.

The number of motorists opting to fix their own vehicle has increased by nearly a third since 2013, with 97% of the 1,000 respondents choosing to maintain or amend any necessary work themselves.

This shift has been attributed to motorists having more access to resources for information, as just over half (51%) turn to video-sharing platforms for repair and maintenance tips, followed by websites and blogs (32%) and social media (19%).

Drivers turning to online videos over trip to a garage

Hazel Johnson, director of motor claims at Aviva, said: “Our data shows that the majority of drivers have tried to repair or maintain their car themselves, which could be partly due to the breadth of advice available at their fingertips, as well as the desire to cut costs.

“While motorists are understandably trying to save money, repairing or maintaining your car incorrectly can be a costly mistake to make – especially if you heavily rely on your car. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to seek professional help in order to avoid paying potentially hundreds of pounds to correct a DIY repair gone wrong.”

As well as more money spent on failed vehicle repairs, UK motorists face paying more than they thought in hidden fees when purchasing a new insurance policy.

NFU Mutual’s findings showed 97% of 321 insurance products analysed included at least one extra fee which drivers didn’t know about.