More than half of drivers too dim to identify dashboard warning lights
Research by vehicle data expert HPI reveals extent of ignorance among motorists over warning symbols triggered by vehicle problems
More than half of UK motorists are unable to identify dashboard warning lights, according to a new study.
Vehicle data expert HPI conducted a survey of 1,000 drivers and found that 59 per cent of them struggled to identify what common warning lights mean.
A staggering 96 per cent didn’t recognise a braking system issue light, while 95 per cent were unable to identify the warning light associated with a diesel particulate filter problem.
Furthermore, 93 per cent didn’t know the symbol for a coolant issue, 64 per cent for a tyre pressure problem, 59 per cent for an airbag alert, 56 per cent for an anti-lock braking system SOS, 30 per cent an engine warning, 19 per cent an oil signal and 15 per cent a battery charge caution.
Even more shockingly, some respondents actually thought the warning lights were good things, mistaking the signal for an airbag issue as meaning “airbag on”.
Men were faster to react to dashboard warning lights, taking an average of seven days and eight hours, compared with eight days and nine hours for women.
People aged 55 or over were the fastest age group to react, taking 6.4 days, whereas 18-to-24-year-olds were the slowest, taking 10.6 days.
In terms of cities, the slowest to react were residents of Glasgow (13.2 days), Southampton (10.8 days), Birmingham (10.6 days), Nottingham (10.2 days) and London (9.8 days).
HPI estimates that 77,760 drivers in the UK would neglect a dashboard warning light altogether, with the worst offenders being motorists in Leeds. Of those who would elect to fix the issue, 41 per cent said they would be quickest to address the engine warning light before anything else.
Fernando Garcia, consumer marketing director at HPI, said: “With so many drivers on the road in 2018, it’s hard to believe the lack of knowledge amongst UK motorists. Warning lights should always be treated as a matter of urgency, and leaving it to sort out a week later could risk safety on the roads.
“What stood out to us the most was the shocking 96 per cent who were unable to recognise an issue with the brake system from the common warning light symbol. It was also interesting to see the generational split amongst drivers, with millennials leaving issues until the last minute.
“From a financial point of view, whilst car repairs can be costly, it’s also important to remember that safety is paramount on the roads, and we would recommend that all drivers brush up on their dashboard knowledge where needed!”
