Motorists could be at risk of breakdown over the winter period, with new research revealing a significant number of drivers neglect basic car maintenance tasks.
Data provided by eBay from a recent study shows that 25% of respondents only checked their tyre pressures on a quarterly basis. Worse still, 11% admitted to only checking their tyre tread yearly. At the same time, 19% of motorists only check their brakes when their car is due its annual service or MOT.
These are safety critical areas of car maintenance, and the research suggests that drivers continue to be unaware of the importance of such checks. The issue of tyre pressure checks is concerning, with tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) making the procedure much easier, via the in-vehicle display screen.
Winter woes for car maintenance
eBay’s research also shows that only 28% of drivers regularly monitor their windscreen washer fluid, with 23% checking their oil levels, on a monthly basis. Of those surveyed, 5% said they never checked their vehicle’s oil, while 16% stated they only replenish the washer fluid specifically with non-freezing solution once every year.
“With the British winter firmly here to stay for at least the next two months, it’s vital that motorists carry out some of the key basic car maintenance checks,” commented Abir Tewari, UK Director Commercial Operations Parts & Accessories at eBay.
“From tyre tread and pressure to brake disc wear and oil levels, these are the kind of easy bits of maintenance that prevent motorists finding themselves stranded on the side of a motorway, or worse.”
The findings suggest, once again, that today’s motorists are not aware of the importance of basic car maintenance. The car of today is often seen as more of a tool to be used, rather than an object to be looked after and maintained. The findings of eBay’s research highlights the need for education, something that continues to fall on the aftermarket to provide.
Driving hesitancy
Alongside questions around basic car maintenance, eBay also found that many drivers are reluctant to tackle UK roads in the more dangerous winter months.
A quarter of respondents to the survey admitted they were not comfortable driving their car in winter conditions, while 10% felt their vehicle was not adequately prepared for driving in wintery conditions at all.
With some of the most unsafe driving conditions seen in winter, as ice, snow and cold weather play havoc with vehicles and roads, ensuring basic car maintenance principles are upheld is vital amongst drivers.
