AS temperatures drop and the risk of costly winter repairs rise, new research from Warrantywise - the UK's leading used car warranty provider - reveals that most motorists would rather call for help than tackle a problem themselves, with women and older drivers the least likely to lift the bonnet.

According to a new OnePoll survey of 2,000 UK drivers, 56 per cent said they normally get someone else to fix problems with their vehicle, while only 6 per cent prefer to do it by themselves.

A further 22 per cent said it depends on the issue, suggesting that even straightforward maintenance is often handed to professionals.

With darker evenings, icy roads, and rising breakdown risks, confidence in DIY repairs drops even further. The study found that 77 per cent of women admit they're not comfortable changing a tyre, and 65 per cent normally get someone else to fix their car.

Among over-65s, 59 per cent rely on others for repairs, while a mere 3 per cent of those in the same age range said they'd fix a problem themselves. By contrast, younger drivers aged 18-24 are the most hands-on, with 15 per cent saying they normally fix issues - more than double the national average in this research.

Drivers aged 45-54 are the most dependent on others for repairs, at 63 per cent. Even among those who've never experienced a breakdown, 12 per cent said they'd still get someone else to fix a fault if it happened - compared with just 3 per cent who would take a DIY approach.

While this research shows most of the UK prefers to "leave it to the experts", there are a few standouts. London drivers are more confident, with 9 per cent reporting they normally fix problems themselves, while Northern Ireland (27 per cent) records the highest number of drivers who said they'd fix problems themselves if they arose.

The South East (64 per cent) and South West (63 per cent) are home to the highest proportions who rely on someone else to handle car issues.

Antony Diggins, managing director at Warrantywise, said: "Winter is the hardest season for cars - cold starts, dead batteries, and slippery conditions all take their toll. But with modern vehicles packed full of sensors, computers, and hybrid components, even a small issue can require specialist tools or software to diagnose.

"Our research shows that most UK drivers - especially older motorists and female drivers - simply don't feel equipped to handle these repairs themselves. That's why having a reliable warranty plan and roadside support is more important than ever in the colder months."

For the millions of drivers who rely on others to keep them on the road, Warrantywise offers extended warranty and emergency recovery plans designed for the UK's ageing vehicle fleet. With the average car age in the UK now exceeding 10 years, millions of drivers are operating vehicles outside manufacturer warranty periods."