Almost half of drivers surveyed in the South East have cars needing paint repairs.

A recent survey by YouGov, commissioned by car touch-up paint supplier Car Paint Colours, revealed that the state of the nation’s vehicles is poor, and the reason – cost or convenience.

41 per cent of car owners in the South East have required small car paint repairs in the past 12 months, but only seven per cent of those have had it repaired.

34 per cent of British adults who own a car in the region have not had small car paint repairs in the past 12 months, but acknowledge that their car needs some small paint repairs.

The survey also delved into what colour cars are most popular in the region, and which need the most touch-ups.

In the South East– 19 per cent have a blue car, 18 per cent have a black car, 15 per cent of car owners have a red car, 14 per cent have a grey car, 11 per cent have a white car, and nine per cent have a silver car.

Nationally, the survey revealed that British adults who own a blue car were most likely to have damaged paintwork with black cars coming in second. Blue cars accounted for 48 per cent of the less than pristine vehicles on our roads with black cars close behind at 43 per cent.

While white cars seem to be the safer mainstream colour to drive with only 35 per cent reporting a blemish that needs small car paint repair.

However, 55 per cent of those surveyed in the South East haven’t had repairs in the past 12 months because it’s too expensive, while 25 per cent said it’s too inconvenient.

Owner of Car Paint Colours, Paul O’Reilly said: “We wanted to understand the reasons fewer people are opting to repair their car’s paintwork when they have scuffs, scrapes or see the inevitable effects of road rash.

“What I found interesting was that the data also shows there is an appetite from drivers to do the repairs themselves. 29 per cent of car owners in the South East would be willing to make the repairs themselves. Six per cent would allow a car enthusiast to carry out the small paint repairs at home."

He added: “It’s one of the reasons we have introduced Car Paint Colours to the market, and more specifically, our industry leading Smart Chip Pen which allows drivers and car enthusiasts to touch up minor chips or scratches.”

Car Paint Colours commission the YouGov survey to understand its audience better. The brand launched a platform using DVLA assisted technology that allows consumers to enter their reg number and order a colour-matched aerosols or smart chip pen direct to their door. This means small body paint repairs can be done right at home rather than spending significant money in a body shop and avoiding the hassle of leaving their car to have a scratch repaired.