A recent YouGov survey reveals a surprising fact: 90% of electric car owners admit they never check their car's technical condition.
Conducted for the Automotive Suppliers Association (ABL) and reported by TV2, the study sheds light on a broader trend—many car owners, regardless of vehicle type, are neglecting routine self-checks.
Only 20% of motorists surveyed report regularly reviewing their vehicle’s condition. Among electric car owners, this figure plummets to a mere 10%.
On the other hand, 27% of all drivers openly admit they never perform such checks, with another 8% unsure whether they do. Altogether, this suggests more than a third of drivers may never inspect their car before use.
Arild Hansen, ABL’s daily manager, views this trend with concern: "Modern technology and information systems make car maintenance easier, but they can never completely replace an owner’s responsibility to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy."
The survey also uncovers disparities in maintenance habits based on gender, age, and location.
Women are less likely than men to check their car, and younger drivers are less diligent compared to older ones. Interestingly, rural car owners or those in towns with fewer than 5,000 residents are more likely to perform regular checks.
Børre Skiaker, secretary general of the Royal Norwegian Automobile Club (KNA), sees the findings as a reflection of shifting attitudes.
"It seems general knowledge of car mechanics is declining, and many drivers simply lack interest in their car's day-to-day care. These days, it’s primarily enthusiasts who approach car maintenance with the same dedication as before," says Skiaker.
What Should Drivers Be Checking?
To avoid potential issues, car owners are encouraged to periodically check the following:
Coolant level
Windshield washer fluid
Lights
Tires and wheels (including tread depth and air pressure)
Battery voltage
Unusual noises while driving
A little attention to these areas could prevent bigger problems.
