British Motorists Lacking DIY Skills Costing Them £100s

eBay research found that one garage would charge as much as ​​£83 to replace the simple part
  • Despite having never tackled the job, nearly half​​ (43%) of motorists in an eBay study said they would be confident in changing a headlight bulb 

  • More than a third ​​(38%) of drivers admitted to paying a mechanic to replace their bulbs for them 

  • eBay research found that one garage would charge as much as ​​£83 to replace the simple part 

UK motorists are steering clear of the simple yet essential vehicle maintenance task of changing their headlight bulbs, with two thirds ​​(67%) admitting to having never tackled the task, according to new research by eBay.  

With drivers facing significantly darker journeys in the months ahead following the clocks changing, almost one fifth of motorists ​​(17%) said they rarely check that their front and rear lights are working. 

One of the largest UK online automotive marketplaces, eBay, discovered the main reasons cited by motorists for not changing their bulbs, with ​​38% of drivers stating that it was because they take their cars to a garage. This was followed by feeling they lack the necessary knowledge ​​(37%), not having the right tools ​​(19%) and being frightened of breaking something ​​(19%). 

More than a quarter ​​(26%) of motorists have considered replacing the headlight bulbs in their car and, while many have never attempted to, ​​43% said they would feel confident replacing a blown bulb – showing the appetite for motorists to get their hands dirty and learn a new motoring skill.  

Of the ​​33% that had changed a bulb in their car, nearly two thirds ​​(65%) had done so to save money, while ​​61% said that it was quick and easy, and ​​21% that said that they enjoy doing it themselves. 

Abir Tewari, UK Director Commercial Operations Parts & Accessories at eBay, said: "We’re always keen to help customers embrace the DIY spirit when carrying out basic car maintenance, including changing those small but very important elements like the headlight bulbs. While many modern cars feature long lasting LED headlights, the vast majority of vehicles on UK roads use traditional bulbs. By fitting replacements themselves, motorists can not only save themselves money but also the hassle of trying to find a garage that can do the work immediately.”

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