With many drivers set to pick-up the keys to their new ‘10' registration-plate vehicles on 1st March, drivers are being urged to get to know their new cars before heading out on the road, says M&S
Car Insurance.
A survey by M&S Car
Insurance has found that many drivers will take to the road in their new vehicle without fully understanding how the car works. The poll found that only 12 per cent of car drivers would fully read the manual before driving off in a car (new or used) for the first time.
When driving a car for the first time, over a third of drivers (35 per cent) don't read the manual at all beforehand, while 51 per cent of drivers will simply flick through it.
The research found that women (40 per cent) are more likely to drive a car without reading the manual, compared to 30 per cent of men.
Almost a fifth (19 per cent) of drivers work out how to use the features of a car, such as the windscreen wipers, hazards lights and CD player, as they drive along. As a result, only 21 per cent of drivers say they feel very confident that they know how everything works before taking a car out for the first time.
The research showed that, from a list of 10 common issues, the top five features drivers struggle to get to grips with in a car they are driving for the first time are:
1. Finding the handle to open the bonnet
2. Working out how to use the CD player or radio
3. Finding how to alter the seat position
4. Locating the headlights switch
5. Working out how to use the windscreen wipers
“Whether it's a brand new car or a used vehicle, most garages should talk you through a vehicle before you drive it away,” said David Wells, M&S Head of Insurance.
“To avoid taking risks and potentially causing an accident, it is important to take time to familiarise yourself with the features of a car that's new to you.”
Important features understand before setting off in a new car:
• Learn how to work the indicators
• Find out how to use the windscreen wipers
• Know what type of fuel your car takes (misfuelling is a common problem and often expensive to fix) and the location of the petrol cap and how to open it
• Locate your hazard lights button
• Ensure your seat is in the correct position
