Motorists 'sacrifice' up to 565 hours of their lives dealing with car-related paperwork and maintenance planning.
A survey of 2,000 drivers across all makes and models found that, on average, they spend the equivalent of an entire day each year thinking about service schedules, MOTs, and potential car problems that could arise - time that could be better spent elsewhere.
Throughout the past year, drivers have reported having to alter plans for an average of four events due to undetected car issues. And more than six in ten have missed crucial occasions because they didn't have a car to get to their destination.
The study was commissioned by BMW, whose Proactive Care service aims to minimise time spent worrying about vehicle maintenance, utilising real-time vehicle data to warn drivers of potential issues before they escalate into problems.
To highlight the technology that offers drivers enhanced peace of mind, BMW carved a clock into Black Rock Sand's beach using car tyres - to represent the valuable hours that could be recovered.
Werner Pagenstert, spokesperson for BMW Group UK, said: "Time is the ultimate luxury and shouldn't be lost to car admin or unplanned maintenance.
"Smart technology can help drivers reclaim those 565 lost hours and spend more time doing the things that matter most to them."
The impact this admin has on enjoyment is significant, with two thirds (68 per cent) of motorists saying they'd enjoy driving more with greater peace of mind.
The study also found nearly half of drivers (46 per cent) say motoring admin takes up valuable headspace.
Many still rely on traditional methods to stay organised, with more than half (52 per cent) using diaries to manage service schedules, while 37 per cent wait for a dashboard alert before taking action, and 37 per cent actively delay visits to the garage.
When asked how they'd prefer to use time reclaimed from car-related admin, a third (33 per cent) said they'd read more, 32 per cent would prioritise exercise, and a quarter (25 per cent) would book themselves a much-needed holiday.
A fifth admit that trips and holidays are the only time they can switch off from everyday stress and life admin.
However, a quarter said they can only relax when they're physically away from their everyday stresses.
BMW Proactive Care has partnered with the Seren Collection hotels in Wales to offer one driver a chance to win, a two-night luxury stay for two, complete with a tasting menu experience and use of an all-electric car for the duration of the trip.
Spokesman Werner Pagenstert added: "With so many people valuing this quality time away, we wanted to offer drivers the chance to do exactly that.
"And we're hoping to help people make the most of those precious hours that can be reclaimed from irritating admin and car maintenance."
