Older Drivers Take Better Car Care

Drivers over 50 are more knowledgeable about their vehicle’s maintenance requirements and more likely to follow a regular maintenance schedule, according to a national survey from Be Car Care Aware.
The poll, which probed behaviours, knowledge and attitudes related to vehicle maintenance, found that Canadian drivers aged 50 to 64 are also more likely to assume sole responsibility for maintaining their vehicle (74%) – compared to 64% of motorists between 35 and 49 and 50% among drivers aged 18 to 34.
“Older drivers have a clear edge in understanding how regular maintenance contributes to superior performance, longer vehicle life and enhanced safety”, says Patty Kettles, manager, marketing & communications, Car Care Canada, a non-profit advocacy group for best vehicle maintenance practices.
“If all drivers in Canada were as savvy as those between 50 and 64, there would be a significant drop in break downs and expensive repairs caused by neglect – not to mention a sizeable environmental benefit from greater fuel efficiently and lower emissions.”
Seventy-three percent of drivers aged 50 to 64 change their oil every 5,000 kms or three months – compared to 70% of motorists aged 35 to 49 and 63% of drivers between 18 and 34.
Older drivers are more likely to complete at least one preventative maintenance service per year (34% vs. 25% for motorists between 35 and 49 and 30% for drivers aged 18 to 34).
26% of drivers over 50 reported completing preventative maintenance twice per year, compared to 23% for motorists between 35 and 49 and 15% for drivers aged 18 to 34.
The survey also strongly suggests that drivers over 50 are more aware than younger drivers that properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and safety.
“50 plus drivers are wise in the ways of vehicle maintenance, and they definitely benefit as a result,” says Kelly Williams, spokesperson for Car Care Canada.
“Fortunately for the rest of us, this is not rocket science. All that’s needed is a little knowledge and the discipline to stick to a regular maintenance schedule.”
May is Car Care Month and it will be celebrated with a series of “Car Care” clinics across Canada to educate drivers about the hows and whys of proper vehicle maintenance.