A car expert has warned drivers they could soon face hefty repair bills after a new study revealed 63% of Brits don’t know how to maintain their car.

Although vehicles are much more reliable than they once were, all vehicles must be regularly serviced to maintain their power and fuel economy and prevent serious problems from developing.

Tim Rodie, automotive expert at a used vehicle retailer Motor pointstressed that drivers looking to reduce car operating costs should make routine maintenance their business.

He explained: “It is surprising to learn that so many motorists lack confidence when it comes to carrying out basic maintenance tasks on their car and do not consider it their responsibility to know how to carry out these checks themselves at home.

“Ultimately, as road users, we all have a responsibility to keep our car maintained and ensure our vehicles are safe and roadworthy.”

According to a survey of more than 1,000 drivers across the country, Motorpoint found that a wide range of Brits don’t feel comfortable checking various components essential to keeping a car on the road.

While 81% of drivers are happy to check an engine’s oil level, more than half would feel uneasy about topping up the vital fluid. Furthermore, 25% of motorists also say they are not sure they can check their vehicle’s tires.

With the increasing costs of various vehicles, this lack of knowledge could lead some drivers to avoid routine maintenance, which could expose their cars to accidents and breakdowns that cost thousands of dollars to repair.

To help drivers feel more confident when servicing their vehicle, Tim recommended motorists start by checking the tread depth of their tires using a 20p coin.

He continued: “Legally, all cars must have at least 1.6mm thread on the center 75% of any tire surface. Although tires are usually checked when servicing your car, motorists are responsible for checking that they have a safe amount of thread. tread.

“The easiest way to do this quickly at home is to take a 20p coin and insert it into the grooves of each of your tires – if you can’t see the outer strip of the coin then you are above the legal limit and you are driving safely.”

Tim also urged all drivers to check their vehicle’s oil level at least once a month, and top it up if necessary.

He added: “It’s easily overlooked, but engine oil is essential to minimizing friction and keeping your vehicle running smoothly.

“Motor oil keeps the inner workings of your car clean and reduces corrosion, which can help your car stay in good condition longer. Be sure to check your oil once a month or before any long trips in the part of your car maintenance checklist.”