Drivers neglect basic car checks and risk roadside winter breakdowns

Failure to carry out basic checks increases risk of breakdowns as the UK faces the "beast from the east"

Drivers neglect basic car checks and risk roadside winter breakdowns
Image: Bigstock.

As bitterly-cold temperatures affect the whole of the UK and a risk of snow for some, it has been revealed that a majority of drivers do not carry out basic checks on their car such as oil level and tyre condition as often as they should – potentially increasing the chance of a freezing breakdown at the side of the road, or worse.

Research conducted by the RAC shows that more than a third of motorists said they check their car’s oil at best every two months with seven per cent saying they wait until a warning light comes on before they do anything.

Less than a quarter check their oil as often as recommended.

Fifty-eight per cent check the condition of their vehicle’s tyres – including tread levels – at least once a month, with the RAC advising rubber is looked at least this often and possibly even more frequently in case of damage from potholes, and prior to long road trips.

However, 37 per cent do it at best once every two months, and at worst less than once a year.

While a third of respondents check their windscreen wipers on a  monthly basis, 30 per cent said that they wait until the wipers stop clearing the windscreen properly before checking them.

Only 26 per cent of drivers said they looked at the coolant level at the recommended interval of every two weeks, with 24 per cent checking it every month and the remainder checking it less frequently or even waiting for a warning light to appear on the dashboard.

“Sub-zero temperatures”

RAC patrol, Chris Burgess said: “While there are no hard-and-fast rules on exactly how often drivers should check basic things like oil, windscreen wipers and tyres, our research suggests a sizeable proportion are chancing it and hoping their car won’t fail them – which is a worry given the current sub-zero temperatures.

“The prolonged cold snap now gripping the country means that the risks of vehicles breaking down increases significantly.

“During the snowy conditions in December we saw breakdown volumes increase by around a fifth in some parts of the country so it really does pay to make sure your car is prepared before setting out.”

Commenting on the road conditions drivers will be facing, Richard Leonard, Highways England Head of Road Safety said: “Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock, but it is still important to drive to the conditions when snow is forecast.

“Keep your distance and reduce your speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and where the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway.

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”

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