Are you someone who feels more chained to your car than empowered by it? You’re not alone. A recent study reveals that a surprising number of drivers feel burdened by their vehicles, with one in four admitting their car feels more like a liability than an asset. This feeling is often tied to the concerning fact that many cars on the road are in need of repair, and a significant portion of drivers are unsure how to address even basic automotive issues.
A comprehensive survey of 2,000 American car owners delved into the state of their vehicles and their understanding of fundamental car maintenance. The results are eye-opening: a staggering 68 percent of cars currently have something wrong with them. This highlights a potential risk for drivers and passengers alike, as vehicles in disrepair can compromise safety and reliability. Adding to this concern is the discovery that a large percentage of people lack even the most basic auto repair knowledge. For example, a concerning 36 percent of those surveyed confessed they wouldn’t know the first thing about fixing a flat tire. This lack of fundamental skills raises serious questions about driver preparedness and overall road safety.
Person changing a car tire on the roadside, representing basic auto repair skills.
Oil Change Incompetence: A Widespread Issue
The survey, conducted by Cooper Tires, further exposed the depth of this knowledge gap. Nearly half of American car owners (almost 50 percent) lack the confidence to perform a simple oil change on their vehicle. This isn’t just about the hands-on task itself; a third of respondents admitted they wouldn’t even be able to choose the correct type of oil for their car in the first place. This indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of vehicle needs and maintenance schedules.
Jump Start Jitters: Battery Basics Baffle Many
Another common roadside emergency is a dead battery, yet the survey revealed that a quarter of drivers are unprepared for this situation. Twenty-five percent of American car owners wouldn’t know how to jump start their car if faced with a dead battery. This lack of knowledge can lead to significant inconvenience and potential safety hazards, especially in remote locations or during inclement weather.
Tire Pressure Troubles: Even Simple Checks are Challenging
Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity. However, even this seemingly simple task proves challenging for many. Nearly one in five Americans (around 20 percent) find using a tire pressure gauge to check their tire pressure to be too difficult. This suggests that basic preventative maintenance, which can significantly extend the life of tires and improve vehicle performance, is often overlooked due to a lack of know-how.
Engine Enigma: Identifying the Heart of the Car
Perhaps most surprisingly, when presented with an image of a car engine, a substantial 41 percent of Americans were unable to identify it. This startling statistic underscores a significant disconnect between drivers and the fundamental components of their vehicles. If drivers can’t even recognize the engine, the core of their car’s operation, it’s no wonder that more complex maintenance tasks seem daunting.
Mechanic Misgivings: Intimidation and Cost Concerns
While some drivers might attempt to address minor issues themselves, the survey highlights a significant barrier to professional car care: fear of mechanics. Over half (54 percent) of Americans feel intimidated when interacting with car mechanics. This intimidation is often compounded by financial worries. Four in ten Americans avoid taking their car to a mechanic due to concerns about the potential cost of repairs. Furthermore, only a small fraction, a mere 19 percent, feel confident they are being charged a fair price when they do seek professional help.
Jessica Egerton, Director of Marketing for Cooper Tires, emphasizes the importance of proactive car maintenance education: “Although many Americans have a lack of confidence and knowledge when it comes to vehicle maintenance, it’s important to plan ahead and take initiative. Don’t wait until there is an issue with a vehicle. It’s why Cooper Tires is passionate about helping educate and empower car owners across the country.”
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Generational Divide: Shifting Skill Sets
The survey also revealed interesting generational differences in car knowledge. Millennials (ages 18-35 in the study) are significantly more confident in their ability to use in-car technology, with 83 percent able to connect their phones to car speakers, compared to only 30 percent of those 66 and older. However, when it comes to traditional driving skills, the older generation holds an advantage. Seventy-one percent of respondents 66 and older are confident driving a stick shift, while only 51 percent of millennials share that confidence.
Interestingly, older drivers also appear to be more proactive about basic car maintenance. Only 31 percent of those 66 or older reported needing an oil change, and just 14 percent needed new tires – the lowest percentages across all age groups surveyed. In contrast, younger and middle-aged drivers showed significantly higher rates of needing oil changes and new tires.
Egerton further stresses the importance of even simple maintenance tasks: “In addition to overall vehicle maintenance, it’s important that today’s drivers understand even simple ways to keep their cars in good, and safe, condition. One way to keep your car going is to ensure your tires are in top shape. The four tires on your car are the only parts to come in contact with and keep you connected to the road — playing a crucial role in how your vehicle handles, and keeping you and your family safe on your travels.”
America’s Car Maintenance Confidence Breakdown:
The survey provided a detailed look at Americans’ confidence levels in various basic car maintenance tasks:
- Adding Washer Fluid: 70% extremely confident
- Jump Starting a Car: 47% extremely confident
- Replacing Windshield Wipers: 48% extremely confident
- Fixing a Flat Tire: 39% extremely confident
- Replacing Car Air Filter: 37% extremely confident
- Replacing a Fuse: 37% extremely confident
- Changing Car Oil: 33% extremely confident
These figures paint a clear picture: while many drivers are comfortable with the absolute simplest tasks like adding washer fluid, confidence drops significantly when it comes to slightly more involved procedures like changing oil or even fixing a flat tire. This widespread lack of basic auto repair knowledge presents a challenge for road safety and highlights the need for greater driver education and resources.
