43 per cent of drivers ignore dashboard warning signs

4 min read

 

  • A third (31 per cent) of drivers have experienced a breakdown, accident or damaged their car because they ignored a warning light 
  • 96 per cent of drivers cannot accurately identify the meaning of all their warning lights  

 

New research1 from breakdown provider Green Flag reveals 43 per cent of UK drivers ignore critical dashboard warning signs, with 15 per cent (5.5 million) ignoring illuminated warning lights in their car for more than a week.  

Neglecting vehicle alerts can put the driver and other road users at risk and can lead to costly repairs. Nearly two fifths of drivers (18 per cent) have broken down after ignoring warning lights, one in ten (10 per cent) have had an accident, and a similar number (11 per cent) caused damage to their vehicle. 

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

Table 1: Top reasons drivers ignore their dashboard warning lights 

Reasons for ignoring dashboard warning lights Per cent
I didn’t think it was urgent 61 per cent 
I trusted my car would be fine 26 per cent 
Repairs were too expensive  18 per cent
I didn’t have time to take my car to the garage 17 per cent
I didn’t understand what the light meant 16 per cent
I forgot about it 10 per cent
I didn’t realise it was a warning light 5 per cent 

Source: Green Flag 2024

When shown vehicle warning lights, worryingly, 96 per cent of drivers were not able to accurately identify their meaning. The research also uncovered a discrepancy between drivers’ belief in their ability to identify the warning lights and being able to do so when tested. 

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

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

Concerningly, almost a quarter (23 per cent) of drivers would not take their car to the garage after seeing the battery warning light and more than one tenth (11 per cent) 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 

Warning light  Driver said they could confidently identify warning light  Driver accurately identified warning light  Driver wouldn’t take their car to a garage after seeing the warning light  

Airbag warning 1 

 69 per cent  63 per cent  16 per cent  

Airbag warning 2 

 69 per cent  76 per cent  16 per cent  

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light 

 68 per cent  77 per cent  12 per cent  

Brake pad warning light 

 60 per cent  22 per cent  11 per cent  

Brake system warning light 

 69 per cent  30 per cent  Nine per cent  

Battery warning light 

 80 per cent  88 per cent 23 per cent  

Check engine light 

 77 per cent  39 per cent  14 per cent  

Electronic stability programme (ESP) system light 

 48 per cent  26 per cent  13 per cent  

Engine temperature warning 

 78 per cent  70 per cent   17 per cent  

Oil pressure warning 

A red oil canister on a black background Description automatically generated

 80 per cent  83 per cent  23 per cent  

Tyre pressure warning 

 78 per cent  39 per cent  48 per cent  

Source: Green Flag 2024

Katie Lomas, Managing Director of Green Flag, commented: “Despite dashboard warning lights playing a critical role in safety and vehicle performance, many drivers are neglecting or unable to recognise these vital alerts. 

“Ignoring warning lights can lead to an increased risk of breaking down, so always be sure to check your vehicle’s manual when a warning light appears and if you’re unsure then a professional can help.”

- ENDS -

For further information please contact:

Direct Line Group:

Chelsey Wheeler 

Deputy Head of News and Issues 

Email: Chelsey.wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk 

Fleishman Hillard 

Email: DirectLineGroupMedia@Fleishman.com or 07808 727280

Notes to editors 

  1. The research was conducted by Opinium among a sample of 2,000 UK Adults across the UK aged 18+. The data was collected between 08 November 2024 - 12 November 2024. Opinium Research is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.  

About Green Flag: 

With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).   

Green Flag is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.   

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.    

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com.