A simple mistake could cause drivers £1000 and three penalty points on their licence, according to recent research. A study done by the car insurance team at Comparethemarket revealed that a massive 76% of drivers (three in four) struggled with performing basic car maintenance tasks with 22% (over one in five) admitting they’re not confident when checking brake fluid levels.
Winter is fast approaching and keeping on top of car maintenance is more important than ever. Failure to do so could land you with a hefty fine. Not checking brake fluid levels correctly is what can result in the fine and the penalty points.
Julie Daniels, motor insurance expert at Comparethemarket, said: "Our research suggests that more than one in five drivers do not feel confident conducting brake fluid level checks, this raises some safety concerns. In the colder months, brake fluid can thicken and congeal, which can compromise your braking power, causing them to become ineffective.
"Not only does this put the driver and passengers at risk but also the safety of other road users. According to The Highway Code, failing to have proper control of your vehicle could cost you £1,000 and three penalty points."
Checking the brake fluid level was found to be the third most unnerving task for drivers, the research revealed, at 24%. Top of the list was changing a tyre with an estimated 11 million drivers admitting they would not feel confident closely followed by conducting an oil change (24%).
