A WORRYING number of UK drivers are unable to carry out basic maintenance tasks on cars – such as can’t change a wheel – leading to potentially costly and dangerous breakdowns, new research from Leasing Options has revealed.

The vehicle leasing company surveyed over 1,000 drivers to find out just how car savvy UK drivers are and where people need to improve their skills.

Less than 50% of drivers across major UK cities, including Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, London and Newcastle, know how to carry out basic tasks, such as changing a wheel, checking brake fluid or adjusting the height of a steering wheel.

While collectively 71% of UK drivers know how to open their car bonnet, one third of women (34%) and over half (58%) of 25 to 34-year-olds confess to not knowing how to pop their car’s bonnet. Additionally, less than a quarter (24%) of 18 to 24-year-olds know how to change a wheel.

When moving into the winter months, drivers must consider additional risks when preparing their vehicle for the road, including adverse weather conditions and poor lighting. One in ten drivers admit they would use boiling water to de-ice their car windows, rather than the correct method of using de-icer.

A major part of the DVLA’s driving theory test is based upon knowing the stopping distance of your car when travelling at varying speeds.

However, the Leasing Options research reveals that only 19% of UK drivers know the stopping distance when driving at 30mph and just 32% know the stopping distance at 70mph.

Over a third of participants (37%) think the stopping distance when travelling at 30mph is 9 metres when in fact it is more than double at 23 metres.

Mike Thompson, brand manager at Leasing Options, said: “We want to ensure Brits are safe on the roads when the weather makes driving conditions more risky. We were shocked by some of the results and as a nation we need to make time to get to know our cars.

“Carrying out tasks on your vehicle without the correct knowledge can not only put yourself but others on the road in danger. We recommend that drivers who are unsure about the correct procedures to follow do not carry out the tasks themselves but seek help from a professional.”