New Aviva research reveals gaps in basic car maintenance knowledge among motorists
17 December 2024, Dublin: A recent omnibus research survey* commissioned by Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva) of almost 900 drivers has highlighted significant gaps in their knowledge of basic car maintenance tasks. The research findings reveal that only 1 in 4 (28%) drivers know how to use an emergency tyre repair kit for a minor puncture. While 70% of drivers claimed that they can check the water level in their car, and 74% know how to check the oil level, a surprising 16% of drivers don’t know how to open their car bonnet.
The survey findings have highlighted a concerning lack of basic maintenance skills among motorists. The results show that 70% of drivers are unable to replace a headlamp, 56% cannot change the wiper blades, 48% do not know how to jump-start the car, and 47% are unable to change a flat tyre. Additionally, 33% of respondents admitted that they do not know how to check or adjust the tyre pressure, while 45% are unaware of how to check the tyre tread depth.
The Aviva survey found that, for the most part, men, and those in the older age cohorts of 45+ were more likely to be adept when it came to basic car maintenance.
The research also explored who motorists would contact first if they broke down at the side of the road. The majority of respondents (33%) claimed that they would call their insurance company’s breakdown service, while 25% would contact their partner/spouse, and 12% would call a parent. Other responses included calling the Automobile Association (10%), a car mechanic (8%), another family member (7%), or a friend (5%).
The findings of our research highlight the significant gap in basic car maintenance amongst drivers on our roads. It is concerning to see that 33% of respondents do not know how to check or adjust the tyre pressure or that 16% are unaware of how to open their car bonnet. These basic skills are essential not only for ensuring that our vehicles are roadworthy but also and more importantly to ensure our own safety on the roads. This lack of basic skills can have consequences for motorists as, while it is an offence to have bald tyres on your car, it also means that it will take you longer to stop in the event of an emergency.
Alan Behan, Motor Product Manager, Aviva
“The value of having a reliable breakdown service as a benefit is evident as it is the most common first call in the event of a breakdown with 33% of respondents. And the fact that it is available 24/7 provides extra peace of mind to motorists. This is particularly the case given that breakdowns or punctures can happen at any time of the day or night, and nobody wants to be stuck on a country or any other road at 1 a.m. in the morning with nobody to call.
“Breakdown cover is included as standard on almost all Aviva’s motor insurance policies. With free breakdown cover, our motor customers can have peace of mind knowing that help is just a phone call away. The top seven reasons for customers’ calling our breakdown service include; flat battery or a battery that needs replacing; tyre issues; alternator; clutch; starter motor; key stuck or locked in the car; and issues with the fuel pump. Our patrol service fixes on average 89% of all breakdowns that they attend,” concluded Alan Behan.
* Undertaken by iReach Insights on behalf of Aviva