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Brits 'failing to check vehicle oil'

29/07/08

An over reliance on technology is costing UK motorists some £300 million annually, according to one expert body.

Research published by car care company Comma has highlighted that failing to check their oil levels regularly can lead to some 215,000 car and van owners facing bills of £12,000 when their engines break.

The study highlighted that three in four respondents did not know what the oil light in their vehicle signifies, while 60 per cent of those questioned admitted to not checking their dipstick regularly.

It was noted that individuals aged between 17 and 24-year-old or over 65 were the least likely to be keeping on top of their oil levels.

Neglecting to keep their vehicles in good working order could see some motorists paying more for their car or van insurance.

Commenting on these findings, Mike Bewsley a spokesperson for Comma said: "When the average cost of replacing an engine is £3,462, but can easily reach over £12,000 for bigger cars like a Toyota Landcruiser, too many motorists are walking a tightrope. It only takes 60 seconds."

He added that drivers should check their oil once a month and before they embark on long journeys.

In related news, research by the Automotive Technician Accreditation recently highlighted that one in ten drivers care unable to carry out any simple maintenance or safety checks on their cars or vans, while more than half of those questioned did not know when their vehicle was due for a service.

The chief executive of the Institute of the Motor Industry, Sarah Sillars, said that motorists need to be more "savvy".

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