A new study conducted by Autotrader has revealed that almost one in five British motorists (19%) place greater faith in their own assessment than their vehicle’s warning systems, with “potentially dangerous consequences”. The research, encompassing 1,000 UK drivers, discovered that as many as 6.4 million people on the road (16%) could be continuing their journeys for days or even weeks while a dashboard warning light remained illuminated, rather than tackling the problem straight away, according to extrapolated data.

While nearly half of motorists (49%) research warning lights online before determining their next steps, only 36% take their vehicle to a garage immediately upon a warning light appearing. More worryingly, over one in five (22%) carry on driving, intending to ‘deal with it later’.

Financial concerns are behind most drivers’ choices to disregard warning lights, the study suggests. The findings showed that approximately 5.6 million British drivers (14%) postpone addressing warning lights due to anxiety about repair expenses, whilst nearly one in six (14%) acknowledge occasionally overlooking warnings because they’re uncertain about their significance.

However, with the average garage bill for unexpected repairs now standing at £650, motorists could be facing a heftier charge if they disregard a red light rather than addressing it immediately. An engine check light could signify anything from a loose fuel cap to a failing catalytic converter.

In the best-case scenario, a loose cap could cost as little as £10 to replace, but neglecting the warning without understanding the cause can have significant repercussions on both your pocket and your vehicle.

Expert advice for handling dashboard warning lights

Autotrader’s specialists have offered their guidance on how drivers should react to warning lights.

Don’t overlook them: Even if your car appears to be running smoothly, warning lights are designed to alert you to potential issues before they escalate. Disregarding them can transform a minor problem into an expensive repair.

Consult your manual: Not all warning lights signal the same level of urgency. Red lights typically demand immediate attention, whilst amber lights may afford you more time. Your car’s manual will assist you in deciphering what each symbol signifies.

Seek expert advice: If you’re uncertain about a warning light, get in touch with your garage or dealership. Many offer free diagnostics or advice over the phone.

Consider predictable costs: If the worry over expenses is stopping you from addressing car issues, leasing can provide reassurance with set monthly payments and often includes maintenance, eliminating the dread of unforeseen repair bills.

Erin Baker, car leasing expert at Autotrader, said: “The data clearly shows that when repair costs are predictable and covered, drivers are far more proactive about addressing potential problems. Lease holders are not only less stressed about warning lights, but they’re also more likely to deal with them straight away, which ultimately leads to safer, better-maintained vehicles.”

The gender divide

There’s a distinct division between how male and female drivers respond to warning lights, as per the new data. Men are more inclined to keep driving and plan to address issues later (25% vs 19% of women) and are more confident in their knowledge of which lights require immediate attention.

However, this confidence might be counterproductive. Whilst women experience more stress or anxiety when a warning light illuminates, they are more likely to take swift action: nearly two-thirds (65%) address warning lights as soon as they appear, compared to 57% of men.

Under-25s nearly three times more likely to take unnecessary risks

Despite these dangers, young motorists aged 18-24 are almost three times more likely than those aged 55+ to carry on driving for days or weeks with a warning light illuminated (29% vs 11%). The research revealed that this hazardous behaviour stemmed from overconfidence, with nearly one in three (31%) 18–24-year-olds trusting their own judgement over the vehicle’s warning system, which is double the rate of 35–44-year-olds (16%).

Evidence suggests younger motorists are more susceptible to ‘optimism bias’, the inclination to believe “it won’t happen to me”, making them more inclined to take chances with warning lights. On the positive side, age does bring wisdom: whilst only 37% of 18–24-year-olds address warning lights immediately, this increases steadily with age to 69% amongst motorists aged 55 and over.

Car ownership and maintenance

The research also discovered that driver ownership influenced how motorists respond to warning lights. Finance buyers are 2.5 times more likely to postpone addressing warning lights due to financial concerns (23%) compared to lease holders (9%).

Finance buyers are also the least likely to take their vehicle to a garage immediately, with fewer than a third (29%) saying they visited a mechanic the last time a warning light appeared on their dashboard. Unlike lease agreements where maintenance is often included, finance buyers pay for all repairs themselves, which could explain this reluctance.

Erin said: “Our research shows a disconnect between what drivers know and what they do. While 69% agree that ignoring warning lights can put their safety at risk, and 67% worry about long-term damage to their car, many still delay acting, often due to cost anxiety.

“The irony is that the warning lights that are designed to prevent expensive failures are being ignored because people fear expensive failures. But in trying to avoid a garage bill today, drivers are often guaranteeing a much larger one tomorrow and putting themselves at risk in the meantime.”

The research was undertaken by Censuswide on behalf of Autotrader, amongst a sample of 1,000 UK drivers (aged 18+) who hold a full UK driving licence and drive a car at least occasionally. Data correct as of February 2026.

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