If you don't know how to change a flat tire, you're not alone. A new report finds that less than half of drivers can change a tire on their own. The new study from FinanceBuzz surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults on their basic automotive knowledge and skills. The study looked at a bunch of interesting topics, including how many drivers can perform basic automotive tasks like changing a tire, how many know to jump-start a car or drive a stick shift, and how many know what dashboard warning lights mean.
Key findings
DIY maintenance
FinanceBuzz says it found that most drivers aren't confident doing larger DIY car maintenance tasks. 52% of respondents indicated they need someone else to change their flat tire. Boomers are the most likely to need help changing one, followed by Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z'rs. 64% of drivers surveyed indicated they need someone else to perform their car's oil change. On the other hand, researchers say most people were confident they could do basic tasks like refill air in their vehicle's tires (80%) and replace wiper fluid (78%).
Jump-starting a car
Who hasn't had their car battery die at some point? If you know how to jump-start your own car in these unfortunate instances, you're one of 62% of drivers who can. 38% say they'd need someone else to do it.
Driving a stick-shift
62% of drivers surveyed claimed to know how to drive a vehicle with manual transmission.
Dashboard warning symbols
FinanceBuzz says while the majority of drivers recognized the check engine (77%) and oil pressure (76%) warnings, only 13% correctly identified the brake warning symbol.
These are really fascinating findings. See them all here.
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