Motorists in checks mayhem

DRIVERS need to carry out essential checks on their cars far more often, according to a major survey.

Many UK motorists will only undertake crucial inspections, such as their car battery (56 per cent), engine oil (30 per cent), and cooling liquid system (49 per cent), once a year or less.

The survey of 2000 drivers, conducted by Euro Car Parts, has also shed light on the things Brits are most likely to avoid when it comes to car maintenance.

Although 42 per cent will seek to resolve issues within the first few days of noticing a problem, 58 per cent wait longer before addressing faults, with two per cent admitting to never getting worrying matters checked over.

The top five areas Brits are least likely to address are: Horn performance (38 per cent), battery performance (38 per cent), signs of rust (33 per cent), cooling liquid system (29 per cent) and engine oil levels (11 per cent).

Out of sight is out of mind, it would seem, when it comes to car upkeep, with elements that are under the bonnet being checked the least. Horn performance and signs of rust may easily become an afterthought, but they’re all-important factors in keeping your car running.

More visual areas of maintenance are, unsurprisingly, the ones that Brits are more likely to check regularly, such as windscreen wash (31 per cent) and tyre pressure (33 per cent).

Car type also impacts how frequently it’s maintained, with 50 per cent of electric car owners sorting out their maintenance issues immediately, compared with only 25 per cent of diesel drivers and 29 per cent of petrol motorists who will get an issue checked as soon as it arises.

Ian Spence, of Central Automotive Repairs, has teamed up with Euro Car Parts to give some top tips on car upkeep.

He said: “General car maintenance should take place every six to 12 months depending on mileage. This varies based on how often a car is used.

“Most people doing moderate journeys should be having their car checked over for servicing and MOTs on an annual basis. Checks in winter to ensure tyres are fit for use are a must. Bad weather can be dangerous in a poorly maintained car.

“Avoiding maintenance can lead to premature engine wear from lack of servicing – it’s a massive issue that most people don’t think about.

“Aside from the annual MOT, you should be regularly checking tyre pressures and oil levels after long journeys. Small things can go a long way to keeping your car in good shape, bringing down the yearly costs if preventative measures are taken.”

Helen Robinson, of Euro Car Parts, added: “Not addressing important issues can lead to an expensive breakdown and could even make your vehicle dangerous to drive.

“We understand maintenance can sometimes be confusing and, if you’re unsure of how to do it yourself, you can always visit your local garage for assistance with fitting your parts.

“We hope these tips will shed light on the importance of car upkeep, helping you to not only keep your car healthy but maybe save you some money, too.”

Go to www.eurocarparts.com/blog/ top-maintenance-tips to find out more.