ANY DRIVE OUTING HIGHLIGHTS just how many drivers don’t know (or don’t care) that one or more of their lights is inoperable. It’s dangerous and unnecessary and, in our opinion, is another argument for regular and compulsory roadworthy checks.
In the UK a recent survey has reveals that motorists are steering clear of the simple yet essential vehicle maintenance task of changing their headlight bulbs, with two thirds (67 percent) admitting to having never tackled the task, according to new research by eBay.
Even more worryingly, almost one fifth of motorists (17 percent) said they rarely check that their front and rear lights are working.
One of the largest online automotive marketplaces, eBay, discovered the main reasons cited by motorists for not changing their bulbs, with 38 percent of drivers stating that it was because they take their cars to a garage. This was followed by feeling they lack the necessary knowledge (37 percent), not having the right tools (19 percent) and being frightened of breaking something (19 percent).
More than a quarter (26 percent) of motorists have considered replacing the headlight bulbs in their car and, while many have never attempted to, 43 percent said they would feel confident replacing a blown bulb – showing the appetite for motorists to get their hands dirty and learn a new motoring skill.
Of the 33 percent that had changed a bulb in their car, nearly two thirds (65 percent) had done so to save money, while 61 percent said that it was quick and easy, and 21 percent that said that they enjoy doing it themselves.