Our new research reveals that an incredible 96% of drivers cannot accurately identify the meaning of all their dashboard warning signs. Can you?
Not only do drivers have a problem recognising dashboard warning signs, but 43% of us actually ignore critical dashboard warning signs. Worryingly, 15% (5.5 million) people ignore them in their cars for more than a week.
But, be aware. Almost a third of drivers who ignored dashboard warnings have gone on to experience a breakdown, accident or damage to their car. Which raises one big question…
Why do people ignore dashboard warning signs?
Dashboard warnings always seem to pop up at the wrong time – like day one of a road trip, or right at the start of the commute.
It’s tempting to think “I’ll deal with it later”, but by ignoring it, you could be putting yourself or other road users at risk. It could also lead to a costly repair job further down the line.
Here are the top reasons drivers ignore dashboard warning lights:
- I didn’t think it was urgent (61%)
- I trusted my car would be fine (26%)
- Repairs were too expensive (18%)
- I didn’t have time to take my car to the garage (17%)
- I didn’t understand what the light meant (16%)
- I forgot about it (10%)
- I didn’t realise it was a warning light (5%)
Almost a quarter (23%) of drivers wouldn’t take their car to the garage after seeing a battery warning light, and 11% wouldn’t do so after their brake pad light came on.
Both of these warnings could easily result in a breakdown if not seen to, so make sure you don’t ignore them.
Lights, driver, action!
A lot of people over-estimate how well they know their warning lights.
60% felt confident they could identify the brake pad warning light, but only 22% could. Meanwhile, 77% thought they could spot the check engine light, but only 39% got that right.
Here’s how drivers fared when faced with identifying different dashboard warnings signs:
Dashboard warning lights play a critical role in safety and vehicle performance, so don’t ignore them.
As our research shows, that warning light you may not think is ‘urgent’ might actually be something pretty serious. So, always check online or look at your vehicle’s manual when a warning light appears, and get any problems sorted.
Sensor lights are often wrong.
Extremely helpful.I knew some but would not ignore a warning light and find out the problem.
Your findings surprised me, people pay thousands of pounds for a car, put the people they love in it & drive hundreds of miles on busy roads but don’t make any effort to notice a problem when the car is literally telling you there’s a problem that needs to be dealt with ! Maybe common sense isn’t that common anymore.
A more comprehensive display of all the indicators would be valuable. They are not easy to read on the dashboard and can be hard to find in the printed manual.
Good Thanks
I think dashboard signals should be part of the driving test as cars modernise and show more driver/vehicle information than ever before. Sign recognition and what to do when alerted.
On the car I just bought, one of the warning symbols didn’t remotely resemble anything published in the manual. The local Ford dealer was also baffled by it. It took him about 15 minutes to work out that it was to warn me that the lane keeping system was not working — because there were no white lines on our local country lanes.
If drivers are to take these warnings seriously, they should be correctly documented in the handbook, and online.
Thank you for this information about the warning lights on my car I have noted them and will pay attention to any I see light up, I usually go to my Macanic Mark,
If I’m ever in doubt, he is spot on at advising me, as you obviously are from Green Flag as well,
And that’s why I’m with you,
Only the best for me, thank you,
I’ve had the Check Engine light come on in the last two cars. On both occasions the garage said it was a filter and replaced it. The light came back on pretty much straight away and they don’t seem to know what causes it, so I’ve left it, with no issues either time. It’s about time this light was changed in some way so that everyone knows exactly what it’s warning you about. Otherwise, it seems to be a waste of time
‘Check engine’ ,,, a bit vague.
On mine it is indicates something amiss with emissions which is not necessarily a problem with the engine
I had several warning lights come on at once. I thought that everything couldn’t be going wrong at once. I was correct! When I finally had it checked, after a week of driving with all these lights on, I found it was the abs sensor playing up. The sensor was replaced and all the lights disappeared!
I identified all the warning lights correctly
At the age of 81
I had a light on for several years. Car’s manual (printed & online) didn’t describe it as any form of warning or issue, just a light. Never came up during servicing. When I did after some years discover what it meant, there’s no available fix for the issue anyway. Apparently it’s an MOT failure, but testers are fortunately not daft and ignore it. So manufacturers might like to remove pointless warnings and concentrate on what matters so that we do take notice when it matters.
very informative and extremely useful.
I know my signs and act appropriately.
Very informative. Thank you.
Yes
If I see any warning on dash board I sort it first before driving. Your safety is more important than anything else.
Thanks for that. Really useful. I’m leaving it on my fone. It will save time searching through all the pages of the handbook!
What a brilliant idea to show the warning lights and their meanings
An excellent reminder for us all. Thank you
All very obvious, read the handbook!
Will be more aware of warning lights and immediately act on them.
One of mine I’m not sure about but the book that came with the car, an EV, is no help. So I ask my garage mechanic.
I must do this check!
Absolutely appreciated – did test myself though, luckily they are self explanatory, but any warning light should be dealt with.
I ignored the check engine warning earlier this year. It ended up cost me £2K!
Thank you. I have now photoshot the information, so I have it at hand for reference.
I’ve taken a screenshot of those icons so thankyou. It’s a shame garages don’t offer an hour’s training on all the benefits of your
car’s blue tooth system & how to use the Sat Nav system
‘
It’s called a warning light for a reason … safely first .
I know what my warning lights indicate but I always check my handbook if a ‘new’ one lights up and call my garage if necessary.
I always check what the warning light means in my car’s handbook. Then I act on the advice, like checking tyre pressures.etc. if I need clarification I ask my garage for advice.
Good useful input. Whenever I see a warning light that I don’t understand I look it up in the manual and don’t ignore it.
Thank you, what a good idea to remind everyone about the warning lights.
You don’t always get a manual nowadays when buying a new vehicle! Try checking on line when in the middle of nowhere!
I’m pleased to say that I have not so far encountered most of these flashing up, but it’s always good to know.
Thank you.
Very Good info