Drop in number of over-50s prepared to carry out car maintenance
Posted by Mark Bond on Tuesday, 7 Aug 2012, 16:32 in UK Motoring
Car owners over the age of 50 have become less inclined to carry out simple car maintenance tasks themselves. According to the results of a new survey commissioned by Saga, the percentage of car owners in this age group who are prepared to carry out basic repairs fell from 17 per cent in April 2007 to 10 per cent in June 2012. The percentage of drivers polled who said they would take their vehicle to a garage for a change of battery, a new oil filer or a replacement cam belt increased from 60 per cent to 77 per cent over the same period. Motorists living in the South East were found to be most likely to visit a garage (80 per cent), while drivers from the North West and North East were most likely to get their hands dirty (12 per cent). The survey found a considerable difference between the number of men eager to save cash and try a home repair and the number of women who would do the same – 15 per cent compared to 2 per cent. Roger Ramsden, chief executive of Saga Services, said: "Peering under the bonnet of a car can be daunting. But learning how to do minor repairs could save a lot of money – as long as you know what you're doing. Just changing the windscreen wipers yourself could save around £30."
