DIY car maintenance dying out

Research reveals that technology in modern cars could be costing people money, which could be bad news for the one in twelve (8%) Saga customers who are planning to buy a brand new car this year. A recent Saga Motor Insurance study shows that the number of people carrying out basic car maintenance, such as changing the battery, has almost halved over the last five years (17% compared to 10%); instead they are paying garages to carry out these basic tasks.

As cars have become more complex, the over 50s have become less confident with car maintenance. People who own a car that is more than ten years old are almost twice as likely to attempt to repair their car themselves than someone who owns a car that is under a year old (15% vs 8%).

Only 2% of women are likely to lift the bonnet and make repairs to their car compared with 15% of men. However, this could be a wise move as one in six (16%) men take their car to a garage after failing to make basic repairs themselves.

Gone are the days when people turned to family members or friends for help when they had car troubles, as only 3% of over 50s would ask their friend for help compared to 7% five years ago. And while one in six (16%) women are happy to rely on their spouse for help with basic repairs, incredibly no men over 50 even considered asking their partner or spouse for help.

This research is good news for mechanics especially in the South East, London and Scotland as the over 50s living in these areas are the least likely to make basic repairs themselves.

Roger Ramsden, Chief Executive, Saga Services commented: "Peering under the bonnet of a car can be daunting. But learning how to do minor repairs could save a lot of money - as long as you know what you're doing. Just changing the windscreen wipers yourself could save around £30."