More than four in 10 (43%) UK drivers ignore critical dashboard warning signs, putting themselves at risk of breakdowns and costly repairs.

The research found 15% of drivers ignore illuminated warning lights in their car for more than a week

The research, carried out by Green Flag, also found that 15% of drivers ignore illuminated warning lights in their car for more than a week, despite dashboard warning lights playing a critical role in safety and vehicle performance.

A third (31%) of drivers have experienced a breakdown, accident or damaged their car because they ignored a warning light.

Top reasons for drivers ignoring warning lights include not thinking it was urgent (61%), trusting their car would be fine (26%) and thinking repair would be too expensive (18%).

Table 1: Top reasons drivers ignore their dashboard warning lights

Source: Green Flag 2024

But, worryingly, 96% of drivers were not able to accurately identify what all their warning lights are for.

The research also shows a big gap in awareness of individual warning lights.

Despite 60% believing they could confidently identify the brake pad warning light, just over a fifth (22%) could. Three-quarters of drivers (77%) thought they were familiar with the check engine light, but only just over a third (39%) could correctly identify it.

When unsure of the meaning of a light, nearly half (47%) rely on the car manual to correctly identify it, a third (33%) turn to the internet, 13% call a friend or family member and the same number go to the garage (13%).

Concerningly, almost a quarter (23%) of drivers would not take their car to the garage after seeing the battery warning light and more than one tenth (11%) wouldn’t do so after their brake pad light came on – both warnings that could easily result in a breakdown if not addressed.

Table 2: Dashboard warning lights identification and action

Source: Green Flag 2024