Four in five motorists* seek advice before committing to car repair work, but almost half (47%) limit that advice to friends and family rather than professional guidance.

According to new research by Motoreasy, that assigns customers their own personal technician, negotiates with garages on their behalf, checking proposed work and ensuring that the best prices for parts and labour are sourced.

Other popular sources of advice for car owners include personal online research, favoured by a quarter of drivers, while one in seven (14%) turn to forums for information.

However, Motoreasy warns the ‘knowledge deficit’ means owners could still find themselves agreeing to unnecessary work on their cars.

Duncan McClure Fisher (pictured), Motoreasy founder, said: “Many drivers don’t feel knowledgeable or comfortable challenging garages over work they say is necessary, or the costs they are presented with.

“The risk is that, unless the source people are going to for advice is a professional mechanic themselves, there will still be a knowledge deficit which could mean paying for work that could have waited or simply wasn’t needed.”

According to Motoreasy’s database of 20,000 vehicles, the average car repair bill in the UK is almost £300, but costs can soar to more than £4,000.

Despite seeking additional assurance, nearly half (47%) still feel they have been overcharged for the work and one in four think they may have even paid for work that was never done.

Launched last year, Motoreasy was set up to remove the hassle and uncertainty of getting cars serviced, maintained or repaired.

As well as delivering a concierge-like service for customers whose cars are undergoing work, making workshop procedures as easy and cost-effective as possible, Motoreasy also provides MoT, servicing and warranty products, acting as a one-stop shop for all motoring needs.

* Source of all statistics: Motoreasy consumer survey of 2,000 motorists; all respondents own three and eight year old car and are aged between 20-70.