Motorists could be slapped with a costly repair bill of up to £400 for ignoring ten noises coming from their petrol, diesel or electric vehicle. Analysis from AutoTrader has revealed that motorists are over-confident about their ability to identify serious faults with their vehicles. 

Ahead of the study, just over half of British drivers (53%) say they were confident in their ability to diagnose mechanical faults. However, when put to the test by AutoTrader, this didn't match up with reality with at least 70% of drivers misdiagnosing at half of the car issues they listened to. Experts have warned that the financial hit from postponing repairs can be substantial. 

35% of drivers admitted they had ignored a mechanical issue, only to pay for it later down the line. Data shows that on average, road users have spent an additional £400 by leaving avoidable problems for too long. Over one in five (21%) said they had paid more than £700 to fix issues.

Erin Baker, editorial director at AutoTrader, stressed road users should get a car looked at by experts if they notice any strange noises. 

She said: “If your vehicle is prone to mystery noises and you're tired of playing amateur mechanic, it might be time to upgrade. Newer cars often come equipped with advanced sensors and onboard diagnostics that alert you to problems before they become critical. 

“Selling your current car or leasing a newer model could provide the peace of mind, and real savings, you've been looking for. But always remember that trusted, reputable mechanics are there to make your life easier and ensure your safety behind the wheel. So, if your car starts to make any suspicious sounds, take it to be professionally checked.”

A staggering 82% of the 2,000 individuals polled misdiagnosed the sound of low power steering fluid in their vehicles. Meanwhile, 81% were unsure about the noise of wheel bearing issues with 72% getting mixed up by the sound of a seized engine. 

70% misdiagnosed a loose or worn-out seatbelt, followed by C axle issues (79%), bad suspension (65%), cooling system leaks (61%). 

A loose exhaust shield wasn’t properly identified by 60% of road users, followed by an exhaust leak (55%) and worn brake pads (48%).

AutoTrader added: “The findings are clear, while many UK drivers are confident in their ability to diagnose what's going on with their vehicle, very few can actually do so when it counts. Misdiagnosing car faults isn't just a harmless mistake; it can lead to delays, escalating repair bills, and increased safety risks.”