As Britain braces for another cold winter, new research from Warrantywise, the UK’s leading used car warranty provider, reveals that the majority of drivers would rather phone for help than attempt a fix themselves — with women and older motorists the least likely to roll up their sleeves.
According to a OnePoll survey of 2,000 UK drivers, 56 per cent said they typically rely on someone else to sort out car problems, while only six per cent prefer to handle repairs themselves. A further 22 per cent said it depends on the fault, suggesting even routine maintenance is often left to the professionals.
Confidence drops as temperatures fall
With darker evenings, icy roads and greater risk of breakdowns, motorists’ confidence in DIY car care continues to drop. The research shows 77 per cent of women don’t feel comfortable changing a tyre, while 65 per cent rely on someone else to fix their vehicle when issues arise.
Among over-65s, nearly six in ten (59 per cent) depend on others for repairs, and just three per cent would attempt to fix a problem themselves. By contrast, younger drivers aged 18–24 are the most hands-on, with 15 per cent tackling repairs personally — more than double the national average.
Drivers aged 45–54 are the most reliant on others, at 63 per cent, while even those who’ve never experienced a breakdown admit they’d call for help: 12 per cent said they’d rely on someone else if a fault occurred, compared to just three per cent who’d take a DIY approach.
Regional differences across the UK
The research also highlights regional contrasts. Londoners appear the most confident, with nine per cent saying they usually fix problems themselves, while drivers in Northern Ireland (27 per cent) are the most self-reliant when issues arise. Meanwhile, motorists in the South East (64 per cent) and South West (63 per cent) are most likely to depend on others for help.
‘Modern cars need modern support’
Antony Diggins, Managing Director at Warrantywise, said:
“Winter is the hardest season for cars — cold starts, dead batteries and slippery roads all take their toll. But with modern vehicles packed full of sensors, computers and hybrid systems, even a small fault can require specialist tools or software to diagnose.
“Our research shows that most UK drivers — especially older motorists and female drivers — simply don’t feel equipped to handle these repairs themselves. That’s why having a reliable warranty plan and roadside support is more important than ever during the colder months.”
Protecting motorists through the winter months
As the UK’s car fleet continues to age — with the average vehicle now over 10 years old — millions of motorists are driving outside manufacturer warranty periods. Warrantywise provides extended warranty and emergency recovery plans that cover mechanical and electrical repairs, diagnostics, and labour costs.
With many motorists admitting they rely on others to keep them on the road, these plans offer peace of mind against the higher likelihood of costly winter repairs.
