Lack Of Oil Change Knowledge

How often do you change your oil? Many people are unaware of how often you must change your cars oil with two thirds of motorists in the UK admitting that they don’t know. A cars oil needs to be changed once a year at a minimum and according to new research people are oblivious to this. 3.7 million people believe that they can drive their car safely for three years without having to change their oil but they are however in fact risking serious engine problems that can have lasting effects and even in extreme cases the car can breakdown, keeping the oil fresh is essential.

Millions of drivers haven’t ever even checked their oil in their cars many of which are young drivers and this is partially down to awareness, more needs to be done to ensure that drivers are changing their oil once a year as it is extremely essential. The figures have shown that 21 million drivers do not know that engine oil expires over time which results in many driving with old and dirty oil which could cause serious engine problems like mentioned previous and it can do irreversible damage to your car rendering it unroad worthy.

Just under half of the people who have never got under the bonnet and changed their oil are between 18 and 24 years old which amounts to a total of 49% of the 3.7 million who fail to change their oil. The safest in regards to checking their oil is drivers over the age of 65 with 68% of them making sure they protect their engines oil and putting fresh oil every year.

The Kwik Fit director Roger Griggs has described these findings as alarming he reiterates the importance of making sure that your engine has clean oil and claims that too many motorists are not paying attention to the health of the car and he’s aimed his comments especially at young drivers. He is right the statistics are alarming with 66.6% not changing their oil yearly, that’s an extremely high percentage and it can be dangerous for the driver who may suffer breakdowns due to this.

It only costs around £10-20 for a large bottle of engine oil and it only takes a few minutes to change it, in comparison to buying a new car its nothing. There is no excuse for drivers not to change their oil yearly, it’s simple, easy and quick so do it and don’t forget, it’s not worth putting your car’s engine in jeopardy.

Having worked in the car rental industry for over 15 years, he really knows his stuff. Rob heads up our marketing department and as a keen traveller, always has a new location to talk about. Particularly if there is a golf course nearby.