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Suspension arms are the most likely car component to wear and fail, according to the latest claims research from Warranty Direct.
The research also found that around one in three repairs to vehicles aged between three and seven-years old will be due to a wear-related failure.
The most expensive items to repair are automatic gearboxes at an average of £1,378, followed by turbos at £794 and flywheels at £630.
“The statistics highlight the importance of checking the small print on longer term new car warranties and after-market policies,” says Duncan McClure Fisher of Warranty Direct. “Those with ‘wear and tear’ exclusions mean the consumer is left to foot the bill for worn out parts.”
Motorists are also advised to verify the level of cover throughout the duration of the advertised warranty period as the cover level may deteriorate as the car ages.
Top 10 parts that fail due to wear and tear
| Component | Percentage of all repairs | Average repair cost |
| 1 Suspension arms | 5.86% | £230.60 |
| 2 Ball joint | 3.89% | £223.80 |
| 3 Steering rack | 3.88% | £377.68 |
| 4 Turbo | 2.18% | £794.78 |
| 5 Water pump | 2.07% | £209.00 |
| 6 Wheel bearings | 1.86% | £150.31 |
| 7 Fuel pump | 1.38% | £415.30 |
| 8 Flywheel | 1.05% | £630.92 |
| 9 Injector | 0.86% | £400.26 |
| 10 Auto Gearbox | 0.38% | £1,378.65 |
Source: Warranty Direct