Some 72 per cent of motorists have admitted they would be completely lost without a car.

According to new research, almost three-quarters of 3,000 drivers surveyed by Warranty Direct said having no wheels would be a disorientating experience.

However, 53 per cent said if they broke down, they would not have the cash to pay for a repair bill - the average price of which is £273.

This is "worrying", the company said, because one in three cars is likely to suffer a mechanical problem each year.

Warranty Direct's Duncan McClure Fisher explained why avoiding services was a bad idea.

"In the short term you might save a bit of cash by not servicing your car, but eventually it is going to need work doing on it," he said.

It might be wise to stay on top of Car Finance agreements and avoid going into the red if the auto breaks down.

Some car insurance policies include breakdown cover, so those who want to renew their policy could investigate this possibility.


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