The Modern Motorist

[WhipLash]

Just read a recent survey that has shown motorists have increased faith in the reliability of modern cars. According to the report, drivers are more likely to ensure they have enough snacks for a long trip than they are to check tyre pressure, oil, water and other ‘essentials’. Many motorists feel modern technology means cars are less likely to go wrong, so they don’t bother with even basic maintenance - less than half of drivers check oil, three in 10 look at the spare tyre and only four in 10 top up the washer bottle.

Makes you wonder why the new Audi A2 will have a small opening for the washer bottle in place of a fully opening bonnet! ;)

[Tony]

When a modern car goes wrong its certainly not due to checking the washer bottle or spare wheel. IMHO I'd say that such things as electrics, which a lot of the modern cars rely on, cause a lot of these problems. The quality checks of even the worst manufacturer had improved vastly over the last decade, and so checks like these are becoming a thing of the past. That’s why the new Audi A2 only has an opening for the washer bottle, and a special tool is required to open the bonnet to the engine.

[Justin]

I'm ashamed to say that I have not looked under the bonnet of any car I have owned in the last three years for any reason. I check the tyres and otherwise rely on the various warning lights and scrupulously regular servicing.

The car I tended tomost carefully and loved most dearly (and I mean dearly), a Peugot 205 GTi, repaid me by expensively shedding or breaking each and every part I didn't inspect, overhaul, refill or clean.

I'll stick to ignoring under the bonnet until necessary.

[Phil]

I have to say lads that I don't bother to look under the bonnet. Every time I switch the BMW on it tells me wether or not to get the car serviced. Its that simple.

I have to say though, that I do manage to fill the windscreen wash bottle from time to time.

Cheers Phil.

[Anders]

BMWs have an amazing diagnostics system, so there is nothing to worry about there. If anything at all goes wrong it will tell you to visit a BMW service centre where your friendly technician will get a nice diagnostics code from the engine management system that explains what's wrong.

I never check anything except tyres and service regularly.