More than half of drivers don’t get problems with their cars checked until three months after they have appeared, according to new research.

 A survey of more than 1,000 British drivers conducted by BookMyGarage.com, found that UK car owners are risking road accidents, worsening damage and steeper repair bills, as a result of not getting issues fixed in good time when they appear.

Key findings:

• 21% will wait for six months or more before getting issues checked.
• 12% will drive in a vehicle experiencing faults by up to a year.
• 63% of UK drivers confess they are currently driving with a fault in their vehicle, which they have yet to have checked out.

Karen Rotberg, director at BookMyGarage.com, said: “The data from our survey suggests that more than half of cars being driven on UK roads have some sort of problem which hasn’t been looked over by a professional - and, worse, many will wait more than three months before having it checked out.

“Drivers are not only putting their cars at risk of further damage, caused by existing problems worsening over time, which is likely to result in more significant bills, but in some cases they will be putting themselves, their loved ones and other road users in serious danger.”

The survey also found that more than 1 in 4 Brits skip the recommended annual service.

According to BookMyGarage.com enquiry figures the problem drivers most commonly ignore is an illuminated engine management light, which can come on as a result of a small inexpensive part being worn, such as a hose which could cost as little as £25 to replace.

However, if ignored, the problem can cause further widespread damage costing up to £500-£1500 to fix.

The second most commonly neglected problem is a worn wheel bearing, which costs under £100 to repair if dealt with when first noticed.

However, if left untreated can damage the stub axle, brakes and cost anything from £300-£1,500 in additional repairs, said Rotberg.

Survey data also highlighted the top car components which drivers most commonly experience issues with were clutch, windows, exhaust, brakes, wheels and lights

BookMyGarage.com is a service launched by the Motorist’s Organisation, which connects drivers with services and MoT appointments at more than 5,000 UK garages via the website, www.BookMyGarage.com