Who notices something is wrong with your car first?

This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See original research story here.

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"ROCKY ROADS"

ARE MOST AMERICANS “STREET SMART”? A NEW SURVEY SAYS, NOT REALLY, AT LEAST NOT WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR CARS. 

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A NEW STUDY BY SIMPLE TIRE AND ONEPOLL ASKED 2,000 CAR OWNERS ABOUT VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AHEAD OF NATIONAL CAR CARE MONTH IN APRIL.

RESULTS SHOW 60 PERCENT OF AMERICANS ADMIT PASSENGERS ARE THE FIRST TO NOTICE ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLES. 

MORE THAN HALF (55%) SAY IT’S A PARTNER WHO POINTS OUT PROBLEMS FIRST, 47% SAY IT’S ONE OF THEIR PARENTS AND ONE IN THREE SAY THEY HEAR IT DIRECTLY FROM THE MECHANIC OR INSPECTOR.

RESPONDENTS SAY SEASONAL CAR REPAIRS COST THEM AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT $1,700 PER YEAR.

BATTERY CHECKS AND REPLACING WINDSHIELD WIPERS TOP THE LIST OF MOST OVERLOOKED SERVICES AT 34 PERCENT. REPLACING BRAKES WAS A CLOSE THIRD AT 33 PERCENT.

TOP TEN MOST OVERLOOKED CAR MAINTENANCE TASKS 

• Check battery performance - 34%
• Replace windshield wipers - 34%
• Brakes replacement - 33%
• Check coolant levels - 32%
• Tire replacement - 31%
• Tire rotation - 28%
• Check transmission fluid - 27%
• Change oil and oil filter - 26%
• Inspect shocks and struts - 21%
• Inspect turn signals and parking lights - 14%