Drivers paying through the nose for bad habits
Motorists could be shelling out thousands of pounds repairing damage resulting from their own bad driving and car maintenance habits, recent research reveals.
Millions of drivers, already being squeezed by inflated motoring costs, are unwittingly running up colossal repair bills as a result of their own poor habits.
The study, commissioned by Tesco Car Warranty, found that more than three quarters (78 per cent) of motorists fail to keep up to date with regular maintenance such as checking tyre pressures regularly, while 14 per cent of drivers admit to driving around in the wrong gear.
Worryingly, many drivers are in the dark when it comes to knowing how much car repairs can cost, with almost half of motorists unable even to guess the price.
But it's younger drivers who are more likely to find themselves facing whopping repair bills. Forty three per cent drive with one hand on the gear stick and a third confess to ‘riding' the clutch, which is not only dangerous but can cause wear and tear more quickly, resulting in an average £800 bill for a new clutch.
Almost one in ten (seven per cent) 24-to-35-year-olds admit to driving with their rev indicator in the top third of a dial and 15 per cent of motorists in this age group drive in the wrong gear, leading to serious engine damage.
It's not all bad news for vehicle owners; the over-55s are much better at everyday motor maintenance. A third check their tyre pressures once a week and almost three quarters declare they change their oil completely once a year, compared to just a quarter of 18-to-24-year-olds.
Allan Burns, head of insurance at Tesco Personal Finance, says: "Faulty driving and maintenance habits can lead directly to parts failing or suffering unnecessary wear and tear. Our survey has revealed that while some motorists admit to poor habits, many are unaware of the cost implications this could have.
"In the current economic climate, it's more important than ever for drivers to manage their motoring costs to ward off any unexpected bills. Keeping up to speed with general maintenance and curbing bad driving habits will ensure the roads are safer and could help drivers save thousands of pounds."
Tesco Car Warranty Plans are a simple and affordable way to help reduce the cost of motoring and offer peace of mind for drivers. There are three levels of protection--Value, Standard and Finest--with cover starting at just £99 a year. Customers can pay in 10 monthly, interest-free instalments or a lump sum.
The plans can be taken out for almost any car up to 10 years old with less than 100,000 miles on the clock, even if it has been out of warranty for years, as long as it has been serviced in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines.
Tesco Car Warranty Plans can be purchased online, via tesco.com/carwarranty
They are administered by Car Care Plan, the Bradford-based market leader in warranty programmes.