When you get a new car, whether it’s fitted with a VW turbo or otherwise, it can be hard work trying to figure out just what all the little lights mean on the dashboard. But luckily help is at hand in the form of a new app from the AA, which helps motorists identify the different symbols so they know what to do.
The app also allows people to report and track a break down so they will be able to tell how long it will take for the AA patrol to arrive. Other features include traffic updates and route planners, as well as reminders for tax, MOT, insurance and service dates. Enhanced features include a parking space finder and a fuel price checker.
Research from the AA has found that over one in eight drivers don’t have a handbook in the car, yet the organisation attends 17,000 warning light-related calls each month.
“Although most warning light symbols are standardised, many are not and with some car dashboards resembling the Starship Enterprise, it’s no wonder that some drivers are left bewildered,” AA patrol of the year Max Holdstock said.
This comes after Gocompare.com found that 1.2 million people have either had an accident or a near miss because of being distracted by what’s on their dashboard, or other in-car media. What’s more, just 44 per cent of motorists believe that driving aids make it easier to be on the road.
Those aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to be distracted by gadgets on their dashboard, it was found.
How long do you wait before you take your VW turbos to the garage to be checked over if you think there’s a problem? According to new research, 21 per cent of drivers wait half a year or more before they have any issues checked out, while 12 per cent will actually drive in a vehicle that’s been having problems for up to a year.
Conducted by BookMyGarage.com, the survey also found that more than a quarter of people will miss their annual service, with the most commonly ignored problems emerging as illuminated engine management lights and worn wheel bearings, the Daily Express reports.
Although these are relatively inexpensive to have fixed, if drivers wait the delay could see the bill increase as more damage is incurred.
Director of BookMyGarage.com Karen Rotberg was quoted as saying: “Drivers are not only putting their cars at risk of further damage, caused by existing problems worsening over time, which is likely to result in more significant bills, but in some cases they will be putting themselves, their loved ones and other road users in serious danger.”
By having your car serviced every year, you are more likely to catch any problems early on – which means they’ll be easier to fix. Furthermore, a car that is well maintained is much more efficient so you’ll find that you save cash on fuel into the bargain. When you buy a new car, make sure you read through the service manual as this will tell you how often the motor needs servicing and how often tasks like oil changes should be carried out.
