Hazard lights? Most drivers don’t understand their dashboard

A survey of more than 2,000 motorists found 98 per cent of them don’t know all the buttons on their dashboard because cars have become so complex.

The study revealed 99 dashboard symbol variations in just 15 of the most popular new cars – but only 12 are consistent across all models.

And the Mercedes Benz E Class features 41 warning and information symbols – almost twice as many as the Volvo S 40 (21).

 Tyre pressure, engine emissions and fog light indicators are the most confusing.

When shown images of the 16 most common dashboard symbols, 71 per cent of motorists do not recognise a tyre pressure warning light with one in 25 (four per cent) thinking it is something to do with the oil or brakes.

 The vast majority of drivers don't understand what all the most common warning or information lights on a car dashboard mean, according to new research.

 

Make and model – number of warning/information lights

Mercedes Benz E Class – 41 Fiat Punto – 33 Skoda Octavia – 31 Vauxhall Corsa – 28 Toyota Yaris – 28 Audi A3 – 28 Seat Ibiza – 27 Land Rover Freelander – 26 Renault Clio – 26 Ford Fiesta – 25 Citroen C3 – 25 Peugeot 207 – 22 BMW 3 Series – 21 Nissan Micra – 21 Volvo S40 – 21

Percentage of drivers who could not identify common dashboard symbols

Catalytic Converter – 95%

Air Conditioning – 86%

Tyre Pressure – 71%

Fog Light – 58%

Engine emissions warning light – 51%

Brake system warning light – 48%

ABS warning light – 37%

Air bag warning light – 35%

Main /full beam – 32%

Parking brake – 23%

Hazard warning lights – 21%

Engine overheat/coolant warning – 14%

Seat belt warning – 6%

Low fuel – 2%

Oil pressure warning light – 2%

Battery warning light – 2%

Source: Britannia Rescue

 

If a light comes on your dash and you’re not sure what it means or what to do, please call us. If the light is RED it usually means STOP IMMEDIATELY.

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