Over half of drivers can't carry out basic vehicle maintenance
The vehicle leasing company surveyed over 1,000 drivers and found that less than 50% of drivers can change a tyre, check brake fluid or adjust the height of a steering wheel.
While collectively 71% of UK drivers know how to open their car bonnet, one third of women (34%) and over half (58%) of 25 to 34 year-olds confess to not knowing how to do this. Additionally, less than a quarter (24%) of 18 to 24 year-olds know how to change a tyre.
Worryingly, one in 10 drivers admitted they would use boiling water to de-ice their car windows.
Mike Thompson, brand manager at Leasing Options, said: “We want to ensure Brits are safe on the roads when the weather makes driving conditions more risky. We were shocked by some of the results and as a nation we need to make time to get to know our cars.
“Carrying out tasks on your vehicle without the correct knowledge can not only put yourself but others on the road in danger. We recommend that drivers who are unsure about the correct procedures to follow do not carry out the tasks themselves but seek help from a professional.”
Survey results:
|
Which of the following do you know how to do?
|
Percentage of people
|
|
Open the bonnet
|
72%
|
|
Check the oil levels in your car
|
69%
|
|
Check tyre pressure
|
66%
|
|
Add windshield wiper fluid to your car
|
66%
|
|
Programme the in car radio
|
55%
|
|
Adjust the height of your steering wheel
|
47%
|
|
Change a tyre
|
45%
|
|
Check brake fluid
|
35%
|
|
Check brake pads
|
21%
|
|
None of the above
|
4%
|
https://www.leasingoptions.co.uk/
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
