Many Britons have been slapped with huge costs over the last year, despite many fearing that they may have to put themselves at risk because of expensive repairs.
New data has shown that two-thirds of motorists have had to pay for unexpected car repair costs in the last 12 months, a rise from 59 per cent last year.
Almost four in 10 drivers admitted that they would struggle to pay a bill of up to £500, according to the RAC.
Shockingly, the average repair vehicle bill now stands at £650, a concerning £33 rise compared to last year.
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With the high cost of vehicle repairs, drivers are being put under financial pressure, with 75 per cent of motorists saying they would struggle to find the money for an unexpected repair bill.
More than half of people said they would struggle to pay a bill between £500 and £1,000. Repairs could potentially become more likely over the coming months as the harsher weather comes in.
Younger drivers are most fearful of an expensive repair, with 57 per cent of those under 25 saying they would struggle to afford a bill of £500.
Concerns are also being felt among older motorists. Over the last year, there has been a five per cent rise in concerns for those between 45 and 64, and people over 65.
Many drivers would not feel confident in paying for expensive and unexpected repair costs
| GETTYThe most common unexpected vehicle cost is replacing or repairing tyres, with 54 per cent noting that this was their biggest fear.
While a new set of tyres can be expensive, the potential fines for having tyres which do not meet legal standards can result in a total fine worth £10,000.
Other issues include brake repair or replacement (26 per cent), suspension repairs (18 per cent), issues with 12-volt batteries (17 per cent) and exterior light problems (16 per cent).
Nick Mullender, RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, said it was "little wonder" that people were finding it difficult to meet unexpected repair costs.
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Many drivers could be hit with extra costs this winter
| WARRANTYWISEHe continued, saying: "Looking after a car by having it serviced at the correct intervals and getting repairs carried out in good time, generally works out far cheaper than having to get a more major repair carried out in a hurry.
"Add to that how difficult it can be these days to get a slot at a garage, and drivers face the prospect of having to go without a car for a day or more."
He noted that this could "seriously hamper" the day-to-day lives of motorists, especially those who are already heavily dependent on their vehicles.
Some motorists are taking drastic measures to avoid forking out on unexpected costs, although this could be putting themselves and other road users at risk.
Tyres were found to be the most common unexpected vehicle cost
| PAMore than one in 10 said they were having their car serviced less frequently than in the past, while five per cent have "given up on vehicle servicing altogether".
These people are relying solely on their annual MOT test to keep them informed of any issues that might be present.
The RAC also warned that drivers could face additional issues given that the average age of vehicles is now at an all-time high of 10 years.
The transport organisation stated that motorists with older vehicles would be more likely to have to pay for additional costs.