Motorists urged to take maintenance more seriously
17 Jul 2008
British drivers are risking their car and van insurance premiums – and potentially their vehicles – by not paying attention to dashboard displays.
New research has shown 26 million British motorists are not checking the oil level of their cars, chancing damage to the engine.
Car care company Comma said three-quarters of drivers misunderstand the oil level light on their dashboards – using it as a reminder to top up oil levels. In reality, the light comes on to warn drivers of potential damage due to dangerously low levels.
Comma said 96 per cent of those surveyed "claimed" they knew the meaning of the light, yet one in four people said they followed standard advice of immediately stopping and switching off the engine. A third would carry on driving.
Mike Bewsey from Comma said: "By the time the oil light comes on, it’s probably too late to avoid problems and you may only be a handful of miles away from massive inconvenience and a repair bill just as big!"
Writing off your car in this way could result in higher insurance premiums.
National Oil Check Day has been launched by Comma to address the issue. On July 25th motorists will be urged to seek information and advice on maintenance.
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