27th May 2005
Britain's hapless drivers are attempting to fix their motors alone despite being ill-equipped and unprepared, according to new research from Direct Line Breakdown.
After a breakdown more than one in three (38 per cent) motorists 'have a go' at mending their motor – yet three quarters (77 per cent) fail to repair the problem.
Car maintenance knowledge doesn't seem to deter these amateurs as only one in 10 (11 per cent) drivers say they understand how their engine works.
Plus motorists' repair equipment leaves a lot to be desired – two thirds (62 per cent) of motorists don't carry jump leads, despite flat batteries being the number one cause of a breakdown in the UK.
Nor are they equipped to deal with a flat tyre – the second most common reason for a breakdown – with more than one in 10 (11 per cent) failing to carry a spare tyre. This is particularly worrying as it is a legal requirement for many cars to carry a spare tyre and those without can be fined up to £2500 and three points.
The research also reveals that one in five (21 per cent) motorists contain old-fashioned remedies in their car maintenance DIY kits including chewing gum, coat hangers, gaffer tape and stockings.
Similarly, drivers could avoid a breakdown if they made simple checks yet more than one in 10 (11 per cent) drivers don't ensure they have enough petrol before setting out on a long journey and a quarter (23 per cent) fail to check their water levels.
When trouble strikes, one in four (27 per cent) drivers feel clueless, embarrassed or panicked (36 per cent) when they experience a breakdown.
Direct Line Breakdown spokeswoman, Emma Holyer said:
"It's entirely natural to feel out of your depth if your car breaks down and as cars become more sophisticated, it will be increasingly difficult for drivers to administer a self-help solution.
"The best advice any motorist can take is ensure you have breakdown cover for your car so you can call in the experts in the case of a problem."
Direct Line Breakdown's top tips to avoid a problem are:
· Make sure your vehicle is regularly serviced.
· Check that your battery is charged - if your battery level is low make sure it's topped up correctly with distilled water (unless your battery is maintenance free). Check the battery connections making sure that they are tight and remember that the battery fluid is highly acidic to your skin and your vehicle's paintwork.
· Maintain recommended fluid levels - check oil and water levels and ensure that they are topped up correctly and don't forgot to check the anti-freeze content of the cooling system.
· Always keep tyres correctly inflated - check the pressure and tread depth of all your tyres including your spare tyre. The legal tread depth for cars is 1.6mm around the total circumference of the tyre.
-ends-
Notes to Editors:
The research was carried out by YouGov from March 18th-21st 2005. A total of 2,059 UK adults aged 18 and above were questioned.
LEAGUE TABLE – FIRST PORT OF CALL AFTER A BREAKDOWN (TOP FIVE)
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MALE MOTORISTS
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FEMALE MOTORISTS
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Called the breakdown recovery service(62%)
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Called the breakdown recovery service(66%) |
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Worked out what was wrong and fixed it myself (17%)
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Worked out what was wrong and fixed it myself (6%)
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Worked out what was wrong then called for professional help (15%)
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Worked out what was wrong then called for professional help (8%)
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Called a friend (5%)
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Called my partner (22%)
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Called a parent (5%)
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Called my parent (7%)
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TOP FIVE CAUSES OF CAR BREAKDOWN (**SOURCE)
1.BATTERY
2. TYRE
3. KEY - MECHANICAL
4. ENGINE
5. SPARK PLUGS
For further information:
Emma Holyer
Direct Line Press Office
Tel: 0845 878 2182
Email: emma.holyer@directline.com
Direct Line Insurance plc. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Calls may be recorded. Conditions apply.
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