Half of 18-24 year-old drivers don’t know how to check oil levels or tyre pressures on a car, according to research published this week.
The study of 2,000 drivers for Continental Tyres also found that 44 per cent of the youngest drivers feel uncomfortable about topping up their screen wash.
Meanwhile, older motorists are more than three times more likely to replace a bulb, and twice as likely to change windscreen wiper blades as their younger counterparts.
Some 45 per cent of those over 55 would tackle changing a tyre, yet just 19 per cent of 18-24 year-olds would do likewise.
The findings suggest that older motorists are more likely to attempt minor repairs – which Continental Tyres suggests saves them money and avoids “unnecessary trips to the garage”.
“Unnecessary trips to the garage”
Mark Griffiths, safety expert at Continental Tyres said: “A lack of confidence and know-how on routine maintenance issues like tyre tread depth, tyre pressure and visibility present risks that could result in accidents.
“It is also likely to mean that younger drivers are spending money they don’t need to by requiring professional help to do simple tasks.
“Maybe older people have a ‘make do and mend’ mentality where their younger counterparts believe the options are simply update or upgrade as that is the world they have grown up in.
“However, being able to confidently tackle minor maintenance has a bearing on safety for all road users.”
Do you disagree with Mark Griffiths and believe the majority of motorists that attempt “minor repairs” may actually risk road safety and end up spending more? Share your comments and experiences below.
Home Page › Forums › Half of young drivers don’t know how to check oil level or tyre pressure