Half of young drivers don’t know how to check oil level or tyre pressure

Research suggests older drivers are more likely to "save money" by attempting minor repairs

Half of young drivers don’t know how to check oil level or tyre pressure
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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

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  • #177884 Reply

    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
    [See the full post at: Half of young drivers don’t know how to check oil level or tyre pressure]

    #177909 Reply
    Philip Dunmore
    Guest

    Quite a lot of older drivers have a similar mentality. Would rather wait two hours for breakdown man than change a wheel. Most assume vehicle will tell them when fluids are required, then come to garage. As for bulbs, don’t get me started!

    #177910 Reply
    Eddie Bamber
    Guest

    A lot of young drivers are quite happy to go to Halfords and get their new headlight bulbs fitted upside down, while those who might attempt a wheel change don’t realise that you have to take the plastic covers off the wheel nuts first. As for locking wheel nuts – what are they ?. No mate, the key for them is not on your keyring.

    #177912 Reply
    Nick – CompareNewTyres com
    Guest

    This is the result of an increase in disposable income, cars requiring less owner maintenance and the creation of an industry that will do everything for them. Owners no longer need to know and don’t have the desire to know anything about their car and so basic maintenance suffers.

    #178697 Reply
    graham cox
    Guest

    T story makes a good point the younger car owners in general are not using independent garages and from what we see they lease or loan newer cars.this is starting to have a major negative impact on all independents, we operate in a rich area and cars over 6 years old are becoming extinct plus none of our customers want diesel.this is a massive error on all levels.
    We think that the wheel change and bulb fitment should be part of the driving test and basic under bonnet checks,plus some how, the garage trade needs to get the message out that diesel vehicles are clean and more efficient than any electric car we have seen, plus they are in most peoples price bracket.

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