Modern cars are complex and packed with features. Some, like ADAS systems are hard to switch off, others like stop-start, which may wear out starter motors and serpentine belts faster, are a bit easier to locate in settings. Maintenance is essential for safety, but many drivers aren’t interested. For those who are, many newer cars don’t have dipsticks, which makes checking the oil level impossible, you have to wait for a warning light and then guess how much oil to put in. If a bulb goes pop you have to dismantle sections of bodywork or inner wing covers to get at the rear of the light unit.
Not ideal, except for car manufacturers of course.
Here’s the word;
New research from MoneySuperMarket reveals more than half (58.5%) of UK drivers would feel more independent if they could handle minor car issues themselves.
On a mission to boost confidence, MoneySuperMarket has partnered with Halfords to create a new interactive tool helping drivers build confidence and save money, providing step-by-step guidance on simple car fixes, while helping motorists understand when a problem requires professional support.
They have supported this with a survey of 2,000 UK drivers to understand which checks and fixes they are comfortable carrying out, and where they need more support.
You can find the tool here: https://www.moneysupermarket.com/car-insurance/should-i-fix-it/
More than three-quarters of UK drivers can tackle basic car checks themselves, but over half rely on professionals for technical fixes
Drivers are most confident carrying out simple maintenance tasks, with 76% topping up their screenwash themselves and 72.6% checking or correcting their tyre pressure. However, confidence drops for more technical jobs, with 57.8% seeking professional help to change a tyre and 50.5% doing the same when replacing a headlight or tail light bulb.
Some car maintenance tasks are less clear but between also sit in a grey area between DIY and professional help. Replacing windscreen wiper blades is almost evenly split, with 50.8% of drivers doing it themselves and 45.2% seeking professional help.
|
Task |
% who have previously sought professional help |
% who have done it themselves |
|
Changed a tyre |
57.79% |
47.20% |
|
Replaced a headlight or taillight bulb |
50.50% |
39.61% |
|
Replaced a windscreen wiper blade |
45.20% |
50.75% |
|
Reset dashboard alerts |
42.61% |
42.91% |
|
Temporarily fixed or inflated a flat tyre |
40.51% |
52.70% |
|
Checked or topped up engine oil |
39.31% |
72.48% |
|
Checked or corrected the tyre pressure |
38.16% |
72.63% |
|
Used a car jack safely |
37.71% |
47.50% |
|
Fixed a window |
33.77% |
20.53% |
|
Jump-started a car |
31.57% |
51.10% |
|
Checked or topped up the windscreen washer fluid |
29.77% |
76.07% |
Worry of doing something wrong is the biggest barrier to DIY car maintenance
Almost 30% of drivers avoid carrying out their own car maintenance because they worry they’ll make a mistake and damage their vehicle. A similar number (29.3%) say it’s simply easier to leave the job to a professional, while 25% lack the tools or equipment needed to complete basic maintenance themselves.
|
Reason for avoiding DIY maintenance |
% of drivers |
|
I’m worried I’ll do something wrong and cause damage |
29.52% |
|
It’s easier or more convenient to let a professional handle it |
29.27% |
|
I don’t have the right tools or equipment |
25.02% |
|
I don’t trust my ability to do it safely |
23.98% |
|
I don’t know how to do them |
21.88% |
|
I find it physically difficult |
16.78% |
|
I feel anxious or intimidated by the task |
14.14% |
|
I don’t have time |
13.49% |
|
I feel it’s someone else’s responsibility (e.g. partner, family member, or mechanic) |
10.34% |
|
I’m worried it could invalidate my insurance |
8.99% |
Commenting on the findings, Alicia Hempsted, Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, says:
“Standard car insurance is designed to protect against unexpected events like accidents, theft or fire. It doesn’t typically cover general wear and tear, poor maintenance or mechanical failure. Keeping on top of routine maintenance can help drivers stay safe and avoid preventable costs.
“Basic vehicle maintenance is one of the easiest ways for drivers to stay safe on the road and avoid unnecessary repair costs, but it’s important to know which jobs you can safely do yourself and when it’s time to call in a professional.
“Our interactive tool is designed to help drivers feel more confident carrying out simple maintenance tasks, while also making it clear when you should call a professional. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to seek expert help than risk making the problem worse.”
Motoring Expert Andy Turbefield at Halfords adds:
We know that for a lot of drivers, the engine bay can feel like a bit of a mystery, and that’s exactly the confidence gap we’re trying to close by teaming up with MoneySuperMarket on this tool.”
“Simple jobs like checking your oil, or correcting your tyre pressure take minutes and will save your wallet. But not only that, we want to inspire the nation to get more hands-on with their cars, because understanding your vehicle also means you’re more likely to spot the early warning signs of a problem before it becomes bigger and more expensive.”
“That said, knowing your limits is just as important. That’s why the tool doesn’t just teach you how to carry out basic fixes; it’s also designed to flag when a job is best left to the experts. In those cases, it’ll point drivers straight to their local Halfords, where our technicians can get the job done safely and affordably. For those strapped for time or unable to get to a local garage, motorists can use Halfords Mobile Servicing, where an expert will come straight to your doorstep, or workplace, and tend to your vehicle.”
