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[Kevin Wood]

Perhaps, but I'm not so sure that many don't prioritise other things like holidays and clothes above keeping the car safe.

For most, the mechanical condition of the vehicle won't enter in to it unless it starts making noises.....and even then the mechanically illiterate will ignore it if it doesn't sound dangerous enough (which is standard human nature).

This is very true. Even for those who should know better it's easy to be less thorough, or to put off "non urgent" jobs.

I was chatting with the MOT tester I use about how I am quite prone to missing faults on a car through not being methodical enough about checking it, yet don't tend to miss many faults on a glider before flying.

Turns out he's an ex-microlight pilot and knew exactly what I meant.

If you know you really are going to be royally breaked if something goes wrong, with no prospect of "pulling over" and effecting a repair, it doesn't half make a difference.

Kevin

[cruisetopoland]

Perhaps, but I'm not so sure that many don't prioritise other things like holidays and clothes above keeping the car safe.

For most, the mechanical condition of the vehicle won't enter in to it unless it starts making noises.....and even then the mechanically illiterate will ignore it if it doesn't sound dangerous enough (which is standard human nature).

With many, you're probably right-but people should take responsibility for their own cars.

What about headlight bulbs?  How many cars do you see with more than one light out-that they KNOW about-it only costs pounds to sort, but is never a priority compared to everything else in their life.
My colleague has two lights out on his 2007 Audi, has money to burn, but just can't be bothered-even thought it advises him on the dash display every time he starts the car. The first (rear brake light) went out spring 2008...but no MOT to worry about until 2010.

Thank God for the MOT.

[cruisetopoland]

Perhaps, but I'm not so sure that many don't prioritise other things like holidays and clothes above keeping the car safe.

For most, the mechanical condition of the vehicle won't enter in to it unless it starts making noises.....and even then the mechanically illiterate will ignore it if it doesn't sound dangerous enough (which is standard human nature).

This is very true. Even for those who should know better it's easy to be less thorough, or to put off "non urgent" jobs.

I was chatting with the MOT tester I use about how I am quite prone to missing faults on a car through not being methodical enough about checking it, yet don't tend to miss many faults on a glider before flying.

Turns out he's an ex-microlight pilot and knew exactly what I meant.

If you know you really are going to be royally breaked if something goes wrong, with no prospect of "pulling over" and effecting a repair, it doesn't half make a difference.

Kevin

I suppose my diligence comes from relying totally on my machine for long tours and not wanting it to ever break down-plus the fact as a coach driver I had to check the vehicle every day before setting off and "defect" it if there was anything up-even a minor bulb.

As you say, people take the easiest way-I always try to prevent a breakdown or issue and see the extra effort as less effort in the long run (like you avaitors!). 

[KillerWatt]

With many, you're probably right-but people should take responsibility for their own cars.

The law has said for years that the driver is responsible for ensuring roadworthiness, but how often do you think that particular law is enforced?

What about headlight bulbs?  How many cars do you see with more than one light out-that they KNOW about-it only costs pounds to sort, but is never a priority compared to everything else in their life.

To be honest, I'm not bothered if a light is out on a vehicle I see. The way I see it is this......if I've noticed the missing light, then I've noticed the vehicle, and plan accordingly.

My colleague has two lights out on his 2007 Audi, has money to burn, but just can't be bothered-even thought it advises him on the dash display every time he starts the car. The first (rear brake light) went out spring 2008...but no MOT to worry about until 2010.

Your colleague sounds very much to me like the arrogant rich c**t who thinks he owns the road.

[Martin_1962]

Short trip into town.

Saw about 20 in the mile on the road I counted

3 one headlamp out
1 no headlamp

[Welung666]

I have a friend who is a traffic officer in our local force. He's a right git for issuing 'inappropriate lighting' tickets for fog light use when not foggy and U/S lights on vehicles. Being an ex-trucker I still check my oil/water/lights daily before I even pull off. My neighbours (well the ones I talk to) all think I'm bonkers

[Kevin Wood]

I have a friend who is a traffic officer in our local force. He's a right git for issuing 'inappropriate lighting' tickets for fog light use when not foggy and U/S lights on vehicles. Being an ex-trucker I still check my oil/water/lights daily before I even pull off. My neighbours (well the ones I talk to) all think I'm bonkers

Send him to Hampshire. About one in 5 cars on my commute are cretins who drive with fog lights on in all weathers.

Kevin

[Vamps]

Perhaps, but I'm not so sure that many don't prioritise other things like holidays and clothes above keeping the car safe.

For most, the mechanical condition of the vehicle won't enter in to it unless it starts making noises.....and even then the mechanically illiterate will ignore it if it doesn't sound dangerous enough (which is standard human nature).

I am ashamed to say that Master Vamp's car failed its MOT, well it didn't cos I said fix it, but I was surprised at how much was wrong with it. I only bought it in June and it drives fine, so I thought, but needed loads doing around the brakes etc....