New study uncovers Aussies' bad car maintenance habits

The survey conducted by YouGov and commissioned by carsales asked more than 1000 Aussies to share their thoughts on car ownership and driver behaviours. ‘Car Truths’ gets under the hood of how Aussies drive, their relationship with cars, and perceptions of car owners based on the brand or type of car they drive.

From a car ownership and maintenance point of view, some intriguing habits (or lack thereof) when it came to the upkeep and ongoing maintenance of a car have emerged.

When it came to washing their car, the survey showed that 3 out of 5 Australian drivers have left their car for 3 months or longer without washing it. While four in ten Australians think Classic car drivers (44%) and Sportscar (40%) drivers wash their car every week.

Asked who would be most likely to have a collection of coffee cups stashed in their centre console, 33% of Australians responded saying that they think Van drivers would be the culprits.

Quizzed about owners of certain car brands and their ability to change a tyre if required, Aussies responded saying that they believe Mercedes-Benz (35%) and Porsche (34%) drivers are likely to not know how to change one.

Other results which have us scratching our heads also showed that 21% of Aussies ignore their check engine light when it comes on and 5% have admitted to putting petrol in a diesel car. Hatchback drivers are perceived as the most likely to put the wrong fuel in their car more than once (16%).

You can discover more interesting facts from the 2021 survey at the Car Truths website.

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