July 28, 2008

A recent survey carried out on behalf of Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA), shows that many motorists don’t even know when their next service is due.  More than half of the respondents (52%), of the 1,338 private car owners questioned didn’t know when their next service was required.

A further nine per cent also admitted they didn’t carry out any basic maintenance and safety checks between service intervals.  Safety checks, such as monitoring tyre pressures, and regular maintenance such as oil checks are both neglected.  The research was carried out on behalf of the ATA, the UK’s first independently run voluntary scheme which proves the skills and abilities of car technicians to a national standard.  This scheme includes a requirement for them to sign and follow a professional code of conduct.

There was also widespread confusion amongst motorists about the numerous sophisticated systems built into today’s cars.  Many acronyms that represent standard equipment on modern cars was baffling to motorists.

When asked about various acronyms, nearly a third of all respondents (30%) said they had no idea what EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), VVT (Variable Valve Timing) or TCS (Traction Control System) actually mean.

Advances in the technology found on most modern cars has made DIY servicing a thing of the past.  As a result 45% of people claim that, unlike their parents’ generation, they know next to nothing about maintaining their car, seemingly including how to check oil, water and general maintenence too.

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), which regulates the ATA scheme, has launched a campaign to help motorists seek out garages who employ ATA registered technicians.  Sporting the slogan, ‘You know you’re OK with ATA’, consumers can search online at www.OKwithATA.com. 

The scheme has the support of consumer groups.  Steve Brooker, Senior Policy Advocate at the National Consumer Council, said: “It can be difficult for consumers to find a reliable garage, so we welcome the ATA scheme as a means to reassure motorists that their technician has been properly trained and adheres to a code of conduct.”

Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive of the IMI, said: “Motorists really need to get more service savvy now that cars have become so complex.  This means making sure your car is well looked after at the right time.

“The ATA scheme recognises technicians who have put their skills on the line voluntarily to show customers they are professionals who you can rely on.  There are now more than 10,000 ATA registered technicians nationwide who carry photo ID and have signed up to a code of conduct, which ensures customers get an expert service.”

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