Brits ‘too lazy to check oil’
As well as checking car bulbs and wiper blades regularly, drivers have been advised to pay more attention to their oil levels.
A study carried out by Comma Oil revealed that over half of cars are running low on oil, with one in five dangerously low.
Mike Bewsey, a spokesman for the company, said in years gone by motorists would have carried out basic maintenance and checks "religiously".
"We’re far too reliant on technology and we’ve allowed ourselves to become far too lazy. Vehicle maintenance is an essential part of being a responsible motorist," he commented.
The average repair bill for an engine damaged by low oil levels is £1,413, according to figures published by Comma.
Mr Bewsey said motorists should not think of the oil light in the same way as the fuel light.
If the oil signal comes on, your car is in "desperate" need of attention, he added.
In related news, a recent study carried out by Carmoney.co.uk revealed that men and women have similar levels of car maintenance knowledge.
People are basically lazy or they think it’s beneath them to look under the bonnet / hood, it’s a general modern “someone else will do it for me” attitude i.e. they are unwilling to take responsibility for themselves as with most aspects of their lives. But part of the blame is with car manufacturers, they do not put an oil pressure gauge in modern cars so you can keep an eye on things – when the light comes on, you have no oil pressure and it is too late. I check my oil weekly and certainly before contemplating a long journey.
hands up! Not so sure about lazy though, just not in tune with my motor..