MODERN CARS MAY be more complex than those of 20 years ago, but that doesn’t mean British drivers have forgotten how to perform basic maintenance, according to a survey by breakdown organisation, GEM Motoring Assist.
Of 800 drivers questioned, 99% know where to find the dipstick, and more than 95% know how to jump start a car. Most drivers (94%) know where to find the spare and change the wheel in the event of a puncture. Mind you, that still means more than one in 20 would be stood by the side of the road scratching their heads before calling their breakdown provider to change the tyre for them.
David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist, said: “We’re really pleased to see such a positive set of results. Amid all the doom and gloom of the economy, rising petrol prices and maintenance costs, it’s great to know that drivers are more than capable of simple car maintenance.
“However, we would always advise motorists to seek professional advice and servicing for persistent or more complex problems with their cars. Similarly, regular maintenance and checks will help avoid more serious and damaging problems to a vehicle in the long run.”
When it comes to the basics, though, GEM’s survey suggests most drivers still know one end of a dipstick from another.
