Half of drivers admit to making mistake which could cost them thousands

Around half of UK drivers could be creating unnecessary costs for themselves by making a simple mistake. We don't like to think about possible problems with our cars - and how much it might cost to fix them.

And, partly for this reason, many motorists have admitted to putting off car repairs and checks. With household budgets strained, they perhaps prefer to put it off for as long as possible hoping there won't be any major problems.

But putting off fixes or ignoring issues only makes break downs and other catastrophes more likely. It's also makes it likely repairs will be even more costly when they do have to be fixed when it comes to the MOT.

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While many drivers may not want to face up to the reality of car repairs, experts insist it's crucial to get it sorted as soon as possible. Around half of motorists surveyed by Motorpoint admitted to putting off repairs.

Many also told how they wouldn't feel confident carrying out checks themselves such as with oil levels and tyre conditions. Tim Rodie, driving expert at Motorpoint said: “It’s surprising to learn that so many motorists lack confidence when it comes to completing basic car maintenance tasks and don’t feel that it’s their responsibility to know how to make these checks themselves at home.

“Ultimately, as road users we all have a responsibility to keep on top of our car maintenance and make sure that our vehicles are safe and roadworthy. While there will always be tasks better left to the professionals, all motorists should ensure they have a good understanding of how to check the basics like tyre pressure, oil and coolant levels.”