Almost 90% of drivers still miss their first car, but research reveals many have great regrets that they wish they could fix

AMERICANS indicated in a recent poll that they wish they could turn back time and get their first car back.

Many of them say that the best way to show love for cars is to take them to a mechanic regularly.

two

Nearly nine in ten Americans still remember their first car – and 60% of them wish they could go back in time to take better care of it.

A survey of 2,000 North American drivers revealed how dedicated people are to their cars and how much they miss the one they first drove.

Baby boomers (91%) and Gen X (89%) especially like their first cars.

A clear link was found between nostalgia for the first car and the temperament of how drivers feel about their current car.

The majority of drivers who felt positive about what they currently drive said they love their current car (38%), while more than half said they like their car and the utility it serves (58%).

Nine in 10 (90%) “car lovers” would likely remember their first cars and 71% of them said they would go back in time to the one they first drove – more than any other group.

Commissioned by Castrol and conducted by Talker Research, the survey showed that “car lovers” were also more likely to name their cars than “car-like” and “not-like-cars” (49%, compared to 20% and 14% , respectively).

And more than four in five (85%) who named their car also named “every car” they’ve ever owned.

Just as many have said that your car suits your personality to varying degrees.

Those who named their car said their car gained its name through its personality (37%), make and model (29%) or its performance (21%).

“Car lovers” also service their vehicles more frequently than necessary (29%), are more likely to immediately resolve warning light issues (38%), and are more likely to park in the shade whenever available (27%). ) than those who do not. I’m not as passionate as they are.

These “car lovers” express their love for their car by maintaining it regularly (69%), washing and waxing it (60%) or taking it for a leisurely drive (45%).

“Cars are more than just vehicles, they give personal freedom and connect people to the world,” said Fabiana Neves, Vice President of Marketing at Castrol Americas.

“Because of this, there is an importance that people recognize in treating their cars almost as well as they would treat themselves.”

The study of drivers also found that 92 percent believe it is important to regularly maintain their cars, although only a fifth of drivers (18%) service their cars more often than recommended.

While most people know why their cars need basic maintenance just to run, there is a clear connection between having a stronger appreciation for vehicles and those that last longer and perform better.

Fabiana Neves, vice president of marketing at Castrol Americas

The majority (70%) said they carried out maintenance as frequently as recommended.

Respondents said the most important types of car maintenance are oil changes (75%), tune-ups (40%), tire rotations (35%), and transmission fluid changes (32%).

One in four specified that they prefer to change their own oil – while the majority (70%) prefer to let professionals do it for them.

To keep their car running smoothly, respondents said they check oil levels regularly (64%), replace any broken parts when they occur (59%), and have the vehicle inspected as soon as the problem results in a suspicious noise. (51%).

How often should you change your oil?

Experts say the exact number depends on several factors, including:

1. Vehicle age. Older vehicles tend to need oil changes sooner than newer cars because used engine oil doesn’t last as long as newer oil. Additionally, clearances between moving parts tend to be larger than when the engine was new.
2. Type of oil. Synthetic oil tends to last much longer between changes compared to synthetic or a synthetic blend.
3. Driving conditions. People who live in dusty areas or regions with extreme weather conditions that require a lot of driving or heavy traffic should change their oil earlier than usual to keep moving parts lubricated.
4. Cars that carry heavy loads, such as regularly towing a trailer, as this puts stress on the engine.

Typically, older cars should have their oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. More modern cars can go between 5,000 and 7,500 miles between changes, especially because modern oil contains more efficient lubricants and additives. Some cars that use synthetic oil only need to be changed every 15,000 miles.

It’s important to read your owner’s manual to determine the exact weight and range your car needs.

Source: AAA

People also said they determine when it’s time to change their vehicle’s oil based on: the number of miles since their last change (68%), when they are planning a long period of driving (23%), and how the vehicle feels and has performance during execution (20%).

“While most people know why their cars need basic maintenance just to function, there is a clear connection between having a greater appreciation for vehicles and those that last longer and perform better,” continued Neves.

“Just like any relationship, when we put more care and attention into our vehicles, we get the direct benefit of having a vehicle that is reliable, fun to drive and gives us that sense of companionship that many can relate to their first cars. .”