Worse yet, even if they did care, 65 percent said they wouldnt know which oil viscosity grade was recommended by their vehicles manufacturer. An even larger 69 percent were ignorant about which brand is recommended by their cars maker.

Stressing the importance of choosing the right engine oil for the vehicle, Tim Shallcross, head of technical policy at IAM, said, Manufacturers know the demands placed on the oil, and that is why they are so specific [about] the grade and quality they recommend. The wrong grade or specification can increase engine wear dramatically, risking expensive breakdowns as well as affecting the cars value.

The research also showed that one in five (19.4 percent) drivers checked engine oil only when an instrument panel warning light was activated. Unfortunately, by this time, engine oil pressure may have dropped, meaning either there isnt enough oil in the system or the oil pump isnt circulating enough lubricant to keep critical surfaces lubricated.

When it eventually comes to checking oil levels, nearly 52 percent of those questioned said they leave this task to others, for example a petrol station attendant, relative or friend. Another 60 percent of respondents said they changed oil only once a year at most, with 8.6 percent saying their oil hadnt been changed in over two years. This may be explained by the fact that more than 45 percent of respondents were unaware of their vehicle manufacturers recommended oil change intervals.

People inspect their house smoke alarm and their tire treads and pressures on a regular basis because these are safety issues, said Dan McGoldrick, field marketing U.K., Nordic and Benelux for ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants. We believe everyone should now add an engine oil check to that list. It takes just a few minutes and can have a major impact on the cost-effective and smooth running of your vehicle.

Shallcross added: Oil is the hardest working component in your engine…. A low oil level or missed oil change is the quickest way to wear an engine out, which not only risks hazardous breakdowns, but can also knock hundreds of pounds off the value of your car.

When engine oil levels drop, the remaining oil in the engine has to work harder, becomes dirtier and has a shorter life. The result is that vehicle performance is compromised. The consequences of running the engine with lower than optimum oil levels can be expensive with increased component wear, increased fuel usage, engine over-heating and even total mechanical seizure all possibilities.

Its apparent that automotive OEMs and passenger car oil manufacturers have their work cut for them. An uninformed or complacent public needs to be educated about the importance of regular oil checks and changes.

The IAM is an independent U.K. road safety charity with the goal of making roads safer by improving the skills and understanding of drivers, riders and cyclists. Findings were based on a nationwide online survey (EAME Stay Ahead Campaign) of 1,000 U.K. motorists age 18 and older, conducted on behalf of Mobil 1 by GfK Automotive Research.