Over-50s leave youngsters stranded on basic car maintenance

Wednesday, 15 May 2019

Many of us don't do it enough, but checking tyre pressures is quick and easy.

Half of 18-24 year-old drivers don't know how to check oil levels or tyre pressures on a car. Those over 55 leave them standing when it comes to routine maintenance, according to a study by Continental Tyres.

Older motorists are more than three times more likely to replace a dodgy bulb, and twice as likely to change windscreen wiper blades as their younger counterparts.

Seniors have the confidence to manage minor motoring matters, improving their safety and saving them money by avoiding unnecessary trips to the garage.

Eighty per cent of the youngest group surveyed acknowledged their parents were more able to undertake basic car care.

The study of 2000 drivers revealed that eight in 10 young drivers recognise they could save money by mastering routine maintenance and 62 per cent said they would feel good about being able to do more.

**READ MORE:

Half of 18-24 year olds surveyed don't know how to check oil levels.

* Beginner's guide to checking your tyre pressures

* Car 101: what most people don't know about tyre tread

* Important bits under your car's bonnet**

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.

Surprisingly, only 56 per cent of the youngest drivers would be comfortable about topping up their screen wash.

Mark Griffiths, safety expert at Continental Tyres says: '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.'

The research also identified the very different driving experience of people based on their age reflecting changing habits and new technologies. Just one in 10 drivers aged 18-24 would feel very confident navigating using a paper map, while 55 per cent of older car owners would.

Young drivers do recognise their failings. Over 80 per cent of the youngest group in the study believed their parents more able than they were at car maintenance. In what might be a dying art, even half of those aged over 55 said their parents would be better equipped than they are.

TEN CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS

Tyres: Check pressures, tread depth and the condition of your tyres every two weeks. The legal limit for tread depth is 1.5mm. Check pressures when the tyres are cold (so not after a long journey).

Engine oil: This is easy to check using your dipstick – check every couple of weeks and before a long journey.

Water: Once a week, when your engine is cold, check the coolant level.

Screen wash: Keep regularly topped up with one containing antifreeze.

Windscreen: Keep an eye out for chips and get them repaired before they turn into cracks.

Lights: Check all lights are working once a week – you will need to get someone to help you check the rear brakes and reverse light.

Bodywork: Check every now and again for any signs of damage or rust.

Power steering: The garage should top up the hydraulic fluid reservoir on your power steering when it's in for a service. But check its levels once a month.

Air filters: The cabin and engine both have air filters. Check your manual for how to change the cabin one, a garage may need to help with the engine filter.

Battery: It's a good idea to check your battery every couple of months for leaks or damage. You can easily wipe away any mineral build up with a battery cleaning brush.