Winter Warning for Drivers as Motorists Face a Huge Surge in Car Repairs
Motorists are being urged to brace for a ‘repair reckoning’ this winter. Searches for ‘car repairs’ increased by a staggering 20% in October 2026, compared to October 2025. The same search increased by a massive 50% following the aftermath of Storm Boelo, when comparing the same period.
With a significant El Niño event likely to occur at the end of the year, experts are warning that drivers could be looking at a sharp increase in vehicles requiring repair over winter.
Searches for ‘car repairs’ increased by 20% in the last month
After Storm Boelo hit the UK, causing damage across the country, it appears that the UK’s vehicles are suffering.
According to Google Trends, searches for ‘car repairs’ have risen by 20% and in the week following the latest UK storm, searches rose by a HUGE 50% compared to the same period last year.
Winter car repair enquiries jumped by 34% this year
The SMART Repair People, one of the UK’s leading mobile car body repair companies, can also reveal that car repair enquiries jump by 34% in the winter, particularly when analysing 2025 data. In January this year alone, car repair enquiries rose by 34% and 18% the next month, suggesting the wet and cold weather is leading to significant vehicle damage.
Some of the most common reasons for vehicle repairs recorded include knocks from other motorists, dents from the likes of shopping trolleys, tight parking spaces and busy roads, particularly with more cars on the road than ever before. With the weather only set to get worse, this is likely to increase.
Reduced visibility, ice on the roads and even potholes can also create additional hazards for motorists.
Experts share the 7 winter car mistakes that could cost UK drivers THOUSANDS
Dan Judge, Managing Director of The SMART Repair People, said, “We can see that cosmetic vehicle damage is an everyday issue for motorists. Whether that be from commuting into busy cities, tight parking spaces or even minor knocks from cars down your street, we are seeing a rise in the demand for SMART repairs.
“While it’s hard to avoid accidental damage, we do recommend repairing any visible damage on your vehicle as soon as possible, particularly as it could prevent problems from becoming more costly and developing further in the future.”
- NEVER leave wet leaves trapped in or around your car
Leaving wet leaves trapped in or around the bonnet or any other drainage channels can lead to water entering areas where it shouldn’t. If these channels become blocked, your interior and even the electrical components could be at risk. However, by removing these leaves as soon as you see them, especially around the windscreen, you could save potentially thousands from damage. - DON’T ignore minor paintwork damage before winter
One of the more common causes for SMART repairs is ignoring paint damage. Even the most minor paintwork damage can expose the metal and lead to rust and corrosion over time. What may seem harmless could run up a repair bill in the thousands if left alone.
We recommend that you inspect paintwork before winter and take notice of any paintwork damage or minor chips before corrosion starts to develop. - And always wash grit off your car
Washing your car less because of the poor weather could set you up for a large, future repair bill. Grit causes corrosion, particularly if there is already paintwork damage that has exposed the metal on your vehicle.
Make sure to regularly rinse your car, not forgetting the wheel arches and the sill, especially after driving during icy conditions. - Avoid trying to touch up paintwork yourself
DIY kits can prove cost-effective; however, they do not replicate the finish from a professional technician. For those who have leased their vehicle, this is a potential cause for concern, particularly when returning your car. While they can temporarily fix the damage, they are unable to accurately match the paint colour of the car and blend seamlessly into the paint. This could spell trouble for your vehicle when it comes to the end of its lease. - Watch out for rust, as repairing rust could cost hundreds
Cars are particularly prone to rust in the winter, due to road salt and the harsh weather conditions. Any existing damage will only get worse in these conditions, and once rust begins to develop, it can spread beneath the paintwork. - Check your tyres regularly to avoid one of the most common causes of winter damage
Low tyre tread depth and pressure are one of the more common reasons for winter car crashes. However, keeping on top of your tyres is one of the most effective ways to save money when it comes to your vehicle. Check your tread depth with a coin to ensure it is road-safe. You should also check the tyre pressure regularly, as this can reduce your handling and braking in icy conditions. - And don’t forget your defroster and heater
Poor visibility is something we see regularly for car repair enquiries. However, just by ensuring your front and rear defrosters work properly, you could save hundreds in a potential repair bill.