Despite modern vehicles being equipped with advanced safety systems, a new UK-wide survey shows that many drivers are still unable to recognise the dashboard warnings designed to protect them.
Research by temporary car insurance experts Tempcover, involving 2,000 UK drivers, found that only 9% of respondents could correctly identify all dashboard symbols. This highlights a significant shortfall in driver understanding of potentially critical vehicle alerts.
The five most commonly misunderstood dashboard symbols were:
- Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) warning light – 73% failed to identify it
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) warning light – 62%
- Tyre pressure warning light – 57%
- Engine warning light – 39%
- Power steering warning light – 33%
Notably, 22% admitted they had driven with the engine warning light illuminated, and over a third of those drivers (37%) said it took them a week or more to have the issue checked.
Other key findings from the survey include:
- One in three respondents continued to drive with the tyre pressure warning light on
- 10% drove with oil pressure or battery warning lights illuminated
- 9% ignored the airbag or seatbelt warning light
The top reasons drivers gave for ignoring dashboard warnings were:
- Believing the issue wasn’t serious or urgent (29%)
- Noticing no impact on the vehicle’s performance (23%)
- Not knowing what the symbol meant (10%)
Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, said: “If the engine warning light comes on, it’s important not to ignore it. Arrange to see a professional mechanic as soon as possible to resolve the issue. If the light is flashing or red whilst driving, park safely and call your breakdown provider immediately.”
She added: “Serious risks to you and passengers are indicated by dashboard warning lights. These symbols often point to safety issues requiring immediate attention. By understanding what car dashboard warning lights mean through your car’s manual, you’ll know what’s happening and can take swift action if needed.”
The findings suggest an opportunity for driver trainers to place more emphasis on dashboard symbol recognition during instruction, particularly with learner drivers now spending time in increasingly tech-filled vehicles.
