Drivers urged to buy affordable tool to help identify car problems quickly
The vehicle diagnostic company OBDeleven has revealed that over two thirds of UK motorists believe their car is too complex for them to fix or even notice issues themselves.
According to the study of 1,500 drivers, 66 percent believed that they would not be able to identify a problem with their car, whilst 72 percent said they would not be able to repair it.
Juozapas Preikša, diagnostic expert at OBDeleven, said that the increase in car complexity has led to drivers losing a skill once seen as crucial for all motorists.
He explained: “The ability to spot and repair vehicle faults used to be a skill shared among many motorists, meaning many routine, but hugely important, repairs could be carried out cheaply at home.
“But as cars have become increasingly complex, drivers have grown too confused and uncomfortable to get the toolbox out to repair the car independently.”
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In the past, most motorists were expected to service and, where necessary, carry out all basic repairs to their vehicle, only turning to professional mechanics for more serious matters.
However, as cars get more complex, it has become far more challenging for drivers to repair faults without using specialist diagnostic software.
OBDeleven highlighted that the modern car typically features 150 electronic control units (ECUs), which are used to run everything from engine components to the infotainment system.
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However, Juozapas noted that drivers can buy a Bluetooth tool which can be used to reveal any potential issues that need to be repaired, without visiting a mechanic.
He continued: “Increasing vehicle complexity and a reluctance to visit the mechanic could be brewing a perfect storm on Britain’s roads – as many motorists could be driving their cars with serious faults, putting themselves and other road users at risks.
“This might prompt more motorists to purchase pocket-sized devices, meaning drivers can spot issues with their vehicle without receiving a hefty bill from the mechanic!”
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According to OBDeleven, between September and November 2023, UK car owners were able to identify nearly 65,000 faults with their vehicles by using a Bluetooth diagnostic device.
The most common issues that the devices revealed included faulty number plate lights and low batteries in key fobs, preventing the ability to activate central locking.
The company noted that motorists who check for faults themselves, rather than go to a garage for the diagnosis, could save hundreds in the long run.
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