More than one out of three drivers have been hit with "unexpected" car costs exceeding £200 each year, with urgent support needed to help cars stay on UK roads.
It comes after a recent report revealed a growing affordability crisis on UK roads, which has hit thousands of drivers with annual cost hikes.
The data detailed how 36 per cent of car owners have faced surprise expenses above £200 in the past 12 months, with costs ranging from under £200 to more than £2,000.
The research highlighted how these unexpected bills are forcing drivers to change their behaviour, with many avoiding mechanics and delaying essential repairs due to financial concerns.
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Drivers aged between 25 and 49 were seen to be more likely to avoid getting their cars repaired
PAMillennials have been bearing the brunt of these financial shocks, with 24 per cent reporting surprise bills exceeding £400 annually.
The financial strain has now caused significant behavioural changes across all demographics, with 27 per cent of drivers delaying essential repairs due to fear over what mechanics will charge.
The research revealed that 26 per cent of 25 to 49-year-olds admitted to postponing essential repairs multiple times, compared to 16 per cent of the rest of the driving population.
Regional data showed repair avoidance remained consistent across the country, with 28 per cent in the North of England, 27 per cent in London, 26 per cent in the Midlands, and 25 per cent in the South of England delaying service and repairs.
A third of drivers have been delaying getting their car fixed due to high costs
PAThe affordability crisis extends beyond repair costs, with the survey revealing broader financial pressures reshaping car ownership patterns.
Infrastructure concerns compound these financial worries, with 65 per cent of drivers citing potholes as their primary motoring issue, ahead of fuel prices at 42 per cent and insurance costs at 38 per cent.
Despite these challenges, cars remain essential to daily life, with 88 per cent of car owners finding their vehicle important for daily activities, with 60 per cent stating they could not manage without it.
Usage patterns reflect economic pressures, with 35 per cent using vehicles primarily for commuting and 30 per cent for running errands.
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Only 14 per cent now use their cars primarily for leisure activities, suggesting drivers are being selective about vehicle use due to rising costs.
The financial pressures have also prompted a return to DIY car maintenance, particularly among younger drivers, with 11 per cent of motorists aged 18 to 49 now working on their own cars to avoid service and garage costs.
Rory Brimmer, UK managing director at Turo, explained that reports showed how central cars remain to everyday life, with 88 per cent of drivers surveyed depending on theirs for daily activities.
"It also highlights how financial pressures, from insurance and fuel to the cost of maintenance, are reshaping the way people think about ownership," he said.
Due to high costs, drivers have been repairing their own vehicles rather than getting them professionally checked
PAHe added: "For guests, it provides flexible, affordable access to a car without the long-term commitment or the hidden costs that often come with ownership.
"For hosts, sharing their car on Turo can help cover rising expenses, turning a personal vehicle into a source of income."
He stated that many hosts are "more diligent" than the average driver when it comes to maintenance, which builds trust and keeps standards high across the platform.
"As we continue to see shifts in driving habits and car culture, car sharing models offer a more sustainable and financially balanced way forward," Brimmer noted.