A surprising number of British drivers are failing to carry out the recommended checks on their vehicles that are necessary to keep them safe, according to new research.

The poll of 1,000 people by Trusted Dealers discovered that 50 per cent do not take a look at the oil and fluids, tyres and lights on a regular basis. Extrapolated nationwide, this suggests that as many as 18 million motorists are taking to the roads unsure that their cars, vans and other vehicles are completely safe.

Nearly a third admitted they didn't know how often they needed to get a service, while seven per cent revealed they never undertake basic checks or get a mechanic to do it for them.

In terms of region, people in Oxford were the worst, as 65 per cent said they don't make car care a priority, while their counterparts in Leeds were much more saintly – 64 per cent there did stick to a routine of basic checks.

Trusted Dealers director Neil Addley said: "Regular maintenance, checks and servicing are the only ways to ensure your vehicle remains efficient, safe and roadworthy over its lifetime."

National Franchised Dealer Association director Sue Robinson added that this will ensure any safety concerns are spotted before they become a real problem, especially as more older vehicles are on the roads these days.

The two organisations recommended that as a bare minimum, oil levels, tyre pressure and tread depth should be checked each month and rectified if necessary. 

This was advice also put forward by charity TyreSafe recently, after it found that only one in four vehicle owners checks the condition of their car's tyres at least this often.

By law, tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm left in a continuous band, although more than this is better for optimum performance and safety in a range of road conditions.

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