Clueless on car checks.

Only one in three motorists know how to check oil and water levels, tyre pressures and the condition of their car's battery, according to a new report.

The AA said many of the 3.9 million breakdowns their patrol workers attend every year were caused by motorists failing to make simple mechanical checks. The AA surveyed 750 people. One in 10 said they never checked the oil level, although it should be done every week, and fewer knew the legal tyre tread depth.

Tim Shallcross, the AA's technical development manager said: "Modern cars are increasingly reliable, but that doesn't negate the need for basic checks and all manufacturers detail these in the owner's handbook."