By Gemma Francis
Almost three quarters of millennials admit they have no idea how to change a tyre, a study has found.
A poll of 2,000 drivers revealed that while more than four in 10 of those aged 36 and above could confidently change a wheel at the side of the road, just 27 per cent of 18-23-year-olds reckon they could do the same.
More than a third of millennials also admitted they would struggle to confidently open a car bonnet while 34 per cent don’t know what power steering does.
And only half of under 35s, polled by TV show Flipping Bangers, know how to check and top up the oil level on their car.
As a result, 63 per cent of millennials have never tried to fix, repair or modify a car they have bought.
One of the the show’s hosts Gus Gregory said: “Most people get into their cars, turn the key and drive away, without really knowing anything about the reasons why something goes wrong when it does.
“It seems under-35s are the least equipped to deal with basic issues and repairs such as changing a tyre or replacing a windscreen blade.
“We think it’s a good idea for everyone, no matter what age, to learn the basic and normally most vital principles of car maintenance.
As seen in our show, Flipping Bangers, even some of the simplest mechanical knowledge can turn an old and rusty banger back into beautiful and iconic car.”
Co-host, Will Trickett added: “Thanks to the internet there are loads of ways to learn how to fix things in a car.
“All it takes is a bit of time and elbow grease and you could save yourself a lot of money.”
Researchers found more than one in 10 under-35s believe power steering is designed to help the car brake, and the same amount have no idea ABS stands for ‘anti-lock braking system’.
Four in 10 millennials would even struggle to know how to top-up their levels of screenwash to keep their windscreens clear.
However, young drivers do have one ace up their sleeve – they’re more likely than their older counterparts to know how to connect their phone to the car’s Bluetooth system.
Interestingly, more young than old people rate their general knowledge of car parts and maintenance as ‘excellent’, despite the evidence.
When they’re looking for information on car repairs, almost twice as many millennials will consult YouTube for data, while the older generation are more likely to browse a book for the answer.
It’s not only in the car where the younger generation’s lack of knowledge is evident, as many of them also struggle with basic DIY tasks.
Three times as many over-36-year-olds would be confident wiring a plug, compared to their younger counterparts.
And twice the number of non-millennials will have a bash at fixing a leaky tap than those aged under 36, who would immediately run for help.
The results also found millennials are twice as likely to call someone else for help with car or general DIY maintenance.
Flipping Bangers will be followed by Strippers: Cash for Cars, at 10pm, as part of Car Night on BLAZE.
Test your knowledge of cars by taking the quiz - https://www.swnsdigital.com/how-rusty-is-your-car-knowledge-quiz/
Top 20 things millennials would struggle to do:
1. Fix a leaky tap
2. Re-wire a plug
3. Change a headlight bulb
4. Bleed a radiator
5. Change a car tyre
6. Jump star a car with a flat battery
7. Replace the wiper blades
8. Change a fuse
9. Check the tread depth on car tyres
10. Put up a shelf
11. Unblock the sink
12. Descale a kettle
13. Connect your phone to the car radio
14. Build flat pack furniture
15. Top up the oil in the car
16. Change a lightbulb
17. Check the tyre pressures on the car
18. Find the spare tyre
19. Check the oil levels in a car
20. Fill up the screenwash
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