WEST AUSTRALIANS are being urged to start 2016 with a check of their car's safety.
Recent surveys conducted by Bob Jane T-Mart and JAX Tyres both highlighted a worrying trend of drivers being unable to identify common car faults.
Results of the surveys showed more than half of WA drivers do not check their tyre depth or break function before setting off on a long journey.
They also found 80 per cent don't ensure their oil and water levels are right while 21 per cent do not know how to put coolant in their radiator.
From those surveyed, 18 per cent do not know where the spare tyre is located while 37 per cent do not know how to change a tyre.
JAX Tyres chief executive officer Jeff Board said it was surprising Australians were losing the ability to perform the basics of car service.
"There was a time when Australians prided themselves on having some basic car mechanic skills but it appears this is no longer the case," he said.
"Learning how to do the basics will ensure there are fewer problems down the track."
Road safety advocate Russell White said it is more important than ever for drivers to thoroughly check their vehicles are fully functioning.
"It's easy to underestimate the importance of basic car checks in the belief that if the vehicle has passed its regular service, then it's fine until the next one," Mr White said.
"Even the most basic checks could be enough to save you in the event of a crash."
