A survey by online vehicle service provider Servicing Stop has found that over 50% of motorist would consider changing their cars if they found they could no longer be serviced by independent garages.

The authors of the survey believe that there is a growing backlash among motorists as vehicle manufacturers increasingly try to dictate that cars are serviced in dealer networks even after the warranty has run out. CEO and founder of Servicing Stop, Oly Richmond, said, "Big brands are now following in the footsteps of BMW and Mercedes who already exert control on where their vehicles can be serviced, and by who. The premium names have begun encrypting their car systems to such an advanced and sophisticated level that independent garages can no longer access the car’s inner server to find faults, repair damage or update the digital service records.”

Richmond goes on to say, "This has already prevented thousands of garages from taking on certain branded cars and the owners of these vehicles are left with no alternative other than to visit their manufacturer and pay the inflated cost.”

The results of the survey show some 70% of motorists prefer independent garages over main dealers, with price and more convenient locations being key factors. Only a third of those surveyed preferred to use main dealers.