The survey of 500 UK SMEs with company-owned cars and vans reveals that nearly half (45%) are unable to change a tyre, over four in ten (44%) do not know how to check oil levels and only half (51%) of drivers know if their tyre treads are legal. Finally, more than a third (35%) do not know how to check tyre pressure.

The research also shows that the majority of firms are neglecting to solve this problem by failing to educate their staff. More than half (53%) do not offer employees any training to perform standard safety and maintenance checks. In addition, just under a half (48%) of firms said they had no policy in place requiring staff to make checks before driving for work purposes.

Simon Barter, head of SME direct at Lex Autolease, said: “The inconvenience and cost of downtime is just one factor behind the rise in businesses choosing to lease their vehicles rather than purchasing outright. Leasing allows firms to drive away with a vehicle without paying a lump sum and move depreciating assets off their balance sheet. If things do go wrong, maintenance packages included in the monthly cost of leasing can eradicate those surprise repair bills, providing firms with peace of mind.”