Missing oil checks `can cost billions'

- 16th June 2009

UK motorists are risking breakdown costs of over £7 billion by failing to carry out simple car servicing checks, it has been revealed.

Studies by car care company Comma indicate that motorists are not performing oil checks and one in five is driving with dangerously low levels that could be damaging their engine as a result.

Representative for the group Mike Bewsey commented that drivers are now generally too reliant on technology and suggested vehicle maintenance is an essential part of being a responsible motorist.

He continued: "In years gone by, drivers would have done the basic maintenance jobs, like checking oil, religiously. Now, it's as though we've forgotten how to look after our cars."

The company went on to say that damage caused by low oil levels costs an average of £1,413 to repair.

Last week, consumer group Which? commented that driving with under-inflated tyres can add eight per cent to fuel bills, while leaving the air-conditioning on at all times when on the road can increase these costs by ten per cent.