Motoring DIY skills in short supply, survey finds
Released on: March 14, 2012, 11:23 am
Author:
The Co-operative Motor Group
Industry: Automotive
A new survey has indicated that everyday car repair skills are
in relatively short supply among UK motorists, with many drivers
lacking any knowledge of a range of relatively simple motoring-related
tasks.
According to a poll recently conducted The Co-operative Motor Group, tasks such as
topping up oil levels are beyond the knowledge of many UK drivers. More than one in
three of those questioned – 37 per cent – said the main reason for their lack of car
repair experience was the fact they had never been shown how to do such tasks, while
a similar proportion of participants felt it was the responsibility of professional
mechanics.
What’s more, two out of five motorists quizzed as part of the survey said they would
be unable to change a car tyre in the event of a problem, with one in seven
admitting to being unable to open their car’s bonnet. New drivers are frequently
asked by examiners to demonstrate how to open the bonnet as one of the ‘show me,
tell me’ questions asked before driving tests – which makes this particular finding
all the more worrying.
“Many drivers feel bemused by even the most simple elements of modern motoring. They
admit to being unable to perform tasks that can be the difference between keeping a
car running safely and without major expense, and spending hours waiting for
roadside recovery,” said Co-operative Motor Group managing director Tony Guest.
Despite the apparently widespread lack of car repair knowledge and experience among
British motorists – 16.95 per cent admitted to not knowing how to top up windscreen
washer fluid – nearly half of participants had experienced a breakdown whilst
driving their current vehicle. More than one-fifth (22 per cent), however, said they
had no breakdown cover whatsoever.
“Breaking down can be a stressful event and motorists would be advised to check that
they have adequate breakdown cover to make sure they can get assistance in case the
worst happens,” Mr Guest added.
ENDS
About:
The Co-operative Motor Group is part of The Co-operative Group, one of the largest
retail co-operatives in Europe and one of the top 45 motor groups in the UK.
The group represents some of the leading global players in the industry through its Nissan car dealerships and Mazda car dealer showrooms, while vehicles from other major manufacturers including
Renault, Land Rover, Range Rover, Peugeot, Fiat, Suzuki, Chrysler and Jeep are also
available through the company's 23 showrooms in the North West, Yorkshire and The
Midlands.
For further information contact:
Katy Robinson
Katharine.Robinson@co-operative.coop
Phone: 01274 377300
Fax: 01274 377330
http://www.co-operativemotorgroup.co.uk