• Independent mechanics dominate core maintenance like oil changes (49%) and tyre repairs (45%).
  • Mobile mechanics capture significant shares of brake repairs (36%) and engine maintenance (29%).
  • Dealers remain competitive in routine services such as oil changes (42%), but trail independents in other areas.

According to YouGov Profiles, independent mechanics are the leading choice for many Britons’ car repair and maintenance needs. Half of Britons report visiting independents for oil change (49%) and tyre work (45%), placing them ahead of dealers (42% and 29%) and service centres (45% and 44%) in these categories.

Mobile mechanics now account for over a third of brake repairs (36%) and three in ten engine repairs (29%). They are also used by 19% of Britons for battery inspections and 18% for interior cleaning. While car dealers and service centres continue to handle large shares of oil and tyre work, mobile mechanics are taking notable portions of both routine and more technical repairs.

Car dealers remain competitive in some of the most common maintenance tasks. They performed 42% of oil changes and 29% of tyre repairs in the past year. These services continue to represent a strong point of contact between dealers and consumers, though independents and service centres match or exceed these figures.

For car brands, dealerships, and service networks, the challenge is clear: multiple providers compete across nearly every repair category. Understanding which services draw consumers to each provider type may help shape retention strategies, partnerships, or service expansions.

Methodology: YouGov Profiles is based on continuously collected data through rolling surveys, rather than a single limited questionnaire. Figures are drawn from responses collected between August 2024 and August 2025, using a 52-week dataset updated weekly. Data is nationally representative of adults (18+) in Great Britain and weighted by age, gender, region, education, and social grade.