The Institute for the Motor Industry (IMI) has called for drivers to ensure mechanics are properly qualified to work on cars.

The IMI suggests that around 175,000 individuals work as motor technicians in the UK but of those only 27,000 can prove they have necessary qualification and skills. The IMI suggests this is down to “a lack of licensing in the sector.”

Steve Nash continues: “Modern vehicles are complex and advanced pieces of engineering – even a 10 year-old car can have considerably more computing power than that which took man to the moon.  They are not simple to service or repair and specialist skills are now essential.”

The IMI suggests car owners use its free register of professionals to find a competent mechanic. The garages featured are submitted and reviewed by car owners, with star ratings for criteria including value for money, expertise, helpfulness and quality of service.