Skip advert
Advertisement

Women charged 13% less for car repairs than men

A new study finds that women pay 13 per cent less than men for identical car repairs at UK independent garages

RMIF Member Garage

Women pay on average 13 per cent less for car repairs than men according to new research. The findings go against the belief that females are more likely to be ripped off by garages when getting their car fixed.

A 2011 Ford Fiesta in need of a service and repairs was used to visit 100 independent garages in the UK. The study by car insurer Sheilas' Wheels found men were quoted on average £106 for a minor service, 13 per cent more than women who were quoted £94 on average for the same job. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Surprisingly, the difference was even bigger for older people. Men aged 60 and over were quoted 32 per cent more to change an alternator than women of the same age. On average, the men were asked to pay £258, while the 60+ women were only asked for £196 for the work. Older men were also charged 26 per cent more for a basic service and 17 per cent more to fit a new set of brake pads than older women. 

The study said: "Cars are becoming increasingly technical, which means most of us are in turn becoming less and less savvy about car maintenance - men as well as women. This means you can now be ripped off whatever your gender." 

In 2015 Auto Express reported on a different survey by ClickMechanic that found women were charged on average £45 more for identical repairs than men. 

Sheilas’ Wheels spokesperson Elspeth Hackett, said: "Taking your car to a garage can be a confusing and costly experience – especially for those with limited motoring knowledge – and the imbalance of knowledge can lead drivers vulnerable to rip offs and sharp practice whatever your gender.

"Even if you have no knowledge of car maintenance, it can pay to arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can about your car when it goes wrong. It’s best to search the internet for details about the problem and find out average costs – and then shop around at local garages to see what they would charge."

Do you think you have been overcharged at your local garage? Tell us in the comments below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Dieselgate is back! Thousands of cars could be recalled as scandal returns
Emissions tests questioned

Dieselgate is back! Thousands of cars could be recalled as scandal returns

The DfT is currently investigating as many as 47 models across several brands that are suspected to use diesel defeat devices
News
14 Nov 2024
Car finance scandal firms given more time to process complaints by FCA
Finance contract, car key and calculator on desk

Car finance scandal firms given more time to process complaints by FCA

As much as £16 billion could be up for grabs for car finance customers affected by discretionary commission arrangements
News
14 Nov 2024
MOT failure rate is worse for vans than cars
MOT

MOT failure rate is worse for vans than cars

More than a third of light commercials failed their first MoT last year, new figures show
News
12 Nov 2024
Paris mayor says ‘non’ to through traffic with plans to fine drivers
Renault Zoe being driven in Paris

Paris mayor says ‘non’ to through traffic with plans to fine drivers

Drivers entering Paris city centre will have to prove residency or a valid destination to avoid a fine
News
5 Nov 2024

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
22 Nov 2024
Jaguar concept car teased further in new image
2024 Jaguar badge teaser image

Jaguar concept car teased further in new image

The all-electric concept promises to have bold styling and showcases polarising new logo
News
22 Nov 2024