Used car drivers urged: Don't be a dipstick

Drivers of new and used cars are being urged to check their oil to avoid breakdowns, costly repairs and huge inconvenience.

Car care company Comma is launching National Oil Check Day on July 25th and saying to motorists: "Don't be a dipstick".

The campaign is designed to highlight the need for drivers to be actively involved in maintaining their new and used cars, rather than relying on modern technology to keep their vehicles on the road.

Organisers say that all too often motorists do not recognise the seriousness of the oil warning light coming on.

Drivers prefer to view the oil light in the same way as the petrol light, Comma states, assuming they have plenty of time to top it up.

"In fact, by the time the oil light illuminates on your dashboard, you may only have a handful of miles before serious and expensive damage is caused to your engine," adds the firm's Mike Bewsey.

A Valvoline survey of 300 National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence master technicians revealed that 84 per cent say that not changing the oil regularly can cause the most problems for a vehicle, compared to other maintenance issues.

Nearly two-thirds recommend that oil be changed every 3,000 miles.

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