Laziness could cost drivers thousands

28 July 2008

3/4 of drivers don’t understand oil warning light
Average cost of engine replacement is £3462
More than half don’t know when next service is due

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Drivers are risking bills of over £3000 by failing to check their engine oil often enough.

Three-quarters of drivers don’t know what the oil light on the dashboard means, and 60% of motorists admit they don’t check the dipstick regularly, according to research by car care company, Comma.

A third of drivers would continue their journey even if the oil light illuminated, even though manufacturers advise stopping immediately if the light turns on.

These drivers risk a catastophic engine failure. If a new engine is needed, Comma’s figures suggest the average bill is £3462.

Many drivers could also miss their car’s next service. A separate survey, carried out for the Automotive Technician Accreditation scheme, found that 52% of owners didn’t know when their car’s next service was due. Of the 1338 private owners surveyed, 45% admitted they knew next to nothing about maintaining their car.

Sarah Sillars, chief executive of the Institute of the Motor Industry, said: 'Motorists really need to get more service savvy now that cars have become so complex. This means making sure your car is well looked after at the right time.'