Nearly 75% of millennials unable to change a car tyre, finds study

'Under-35s are the least equipped to deal with basic issues and repairs such as changing a tyre or replacing a windscreen blade'

(iStock)

Almost three-quarters of millennials admit they have no idea how to change a tyre, a study has found.

A poll of 2,000 drivers revealed that while almost half of those aged 36 and above could confidently change a wheel at the side of the road, just 27 per cent of 18-23-year-olds reckon they could do the same.

More than a third of millennials also admitted they would struggle to confidently open a car bonnet while 34 per cent don’t know what power steering does.

And only half of under-35s, polled by TV show Flipping Bangers, know how to check and top up the oil level on their car.

As a result, 63 per cent of millennials have never tried to fix, repair or modify a car they have bought.

One of the the show’s hosts Gus Gregory said: “Most people get into their cars, turn the key and drive away, without really knowing anything about the reasons why something goes wrong when it does.

“It seems under-35s are the least equipped to deal with basic issues and repairs such as changing a tyre or replacing a windscreen wiper. We think it’s a good idea for everyone, no matter what age, to learn the basic principles of car maintenance.

“Even some of the simplest mechanical knowledge can turn an old and rusty banger into beautiful car.”

Co-host Will Trickett added: “Thanks to the internet there are loads of ways to learn how to fix things in a car. All it takes is a bit of time and elbow grease and you could save yourself a lot of money.”

Researchers found more than one in 10 under-35s believe power steering is designed to help the car brake, and the same amount have no idea ABS stands for ‘anti-lock braking system’. Four in 10 millennials would even struggle to know how to top up their levels of screenwash to keep their windscreens clear.

However, young drivers do have one ace up their sleeve – they’re more likely than their older counterparts to know how to connect their phone to the car’s Bluetooth system.

Interestingly, more young than old people rate their general knowledge of car parts and maintenance as ‘excellent’, despite the evidence.

When they’re looking for information on car repairs, almost twice as many millennials will consult YouTube for data, while the older generation are more likely to browse a book for the answer.

It’s not only in the car where the younger generation’s lack of knowledge is evident, as many of them also struggle with basic DIY tasks.

Three times as many over-36s would be confident wiring a plug, compared to their younger counterparts.

And twice the number of non-millennials will attempt to fix a leaky tap compared to those aged under 36, who would call someone else for help. The figures are similar for car or general

The results also found millennials are twice as likely to call someone else for help with car or general DIY maintenance.

Top 20 things millennials would struggle to do:

1. Fix a leaky tap

2. Rewire a plug

3. Change a headlight bulb

4. Bleed a radiator

5. Change a car tyre

6. Jump start a car with a flat battery

7. Replace the wiper blades

8. Change a fuse

9. Check the tread depth on car tyres

10. Put up a shelf

11. Unblock the sink

12. Descale a kettle

13. Connect a phone to the car radio

14. Build flat pack furniture

15. Top up the oil in the car

16. Change a lightbulb

17. Check the tyre pressures on the car

18. Find the spare tyre

19. Check the oil levels in a car

20. Fill up the screenwash

SWNS