A recent survey conducted by FinanceBuzz is shining a light on what American drivers know about caring for their vehicles. 

The team at FinanceBuzz surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults on basic automotive knowledge to find out what they do and do not know. 

Routine Maintenance Tasks 

Cars are essential to the American daily routine, and so is their maintenance. While most Americans have their favorite mechanic shops to help with the routine upkeep, like oil and filter changes, knowing how to do some of these tasks yourself can save a lot of money in the long run. 

Most respondents would not be able to change a spare tire in an emergency, with 48% of drivers saying they do not know how. 

Oil changes, while the most common of car maintenance tasks, are the most procrastinated on. Doing it yourself could save $75-$100 per change; however, only 36% of drivers said they can perform their own oil change. 

Changing spark plugs is the task with the lowest confidence level when it comes to doing it yourself, with 73% of respondents saying they would need someone else to do the job. 

Generation Gap

As with many things, experience makes a big difference. Age impacts a driver’s knowledge of cars, driving, and maintenance. 

The youngest generation, Gen Z, is the least knowledgeable and has the least confidence in their ability to perform an oil change. 

Millennials are most confident in their abilities to perform their own oil changes, with some adding that they would need to look up a few details before doing so.

Older generations, like Boomers and Gen X, have more car experience because they have been driving for longer; however, that did not result in a higher rate of confidence or ability to do their oil change. 

Drivers Just Don’t Understand

While maintenance and upkeep are central to being a responsible car owner, so is knowing your car's warning signs and keeping an updated car insurance policy. 

All vehicles have safety warning lights built into the vehicle’s dashboard to alert drivers when something is needed. But how effective are these lights if drivers don’t know what they mean? 

Just 75% of drivers knew the check engine and oil pressure symbols, and even fewer know the difference between the tire pressure and brake indicator. 

While 70% of drivers say they are confident they know how much their monthly auto insurance premium costs, they are uncertain of their coverage limits. Only 48% are confident in their knowledge of insurance coverage limits. 

FinanceBuzz offers some important reminders when picking an insurance provider:

• Pick the right provider. Find highly rated insurers that offer a potent mix of coverage, pricing, and customer support.

• Get clarity on your coverage plan. Familiarize yourself with your coverage plan and any incentives your provider may offer for safe driving or courses; some could save you hundreds yearly.

• Manage auto repairs with smart financing. Explore payment options for maintenance fees. Some shops offer their own financing for big-ticket jobs. 

Taking the time to learn and understand the warning symbols for your vehicle’s make and model and your insurance coverage promotes safety when driving and in an emergency.