Spotlight on mystery symbols

There are 64 warning lights and symbols on a latemodel car’s dashboard — but how many do you recognise?

They are an everyday sight that could mean the difference between a smooth journey and a costly repair bill. But many of us have no idea what the lights and symbols on our car dashboards mean, and when to take action.

Those symbols flag issues with the engine or can even save a driver’s life in a serious case.

According to a new British survey, one in three drivers cannot recognise which symbol is the headlamp indicator, while 27 per cent can’t identify the “check engine” sign, the study of 2000 drivers found.

And when people do understand what the car is warning them about, only a few know how to manage the problem themselves.

Two thirds of those polled have no idea how to check the oil, just under half don’t know how to change a tyre and 44 per cent haven’t a clue how to change windscreen wipers. And 58 per cent have no idea what their tyre tread limit is, when it becomes illegal, or how to check it.

David Carter, spokesman for the UK’s Accident Advice Helpline, said: “It's worrying how little drivers know about their own cars.

“Knowing the meaning of a dashboard symbol on your car could be the difference between having an accident or not.”

The study reveals only 16 per cent of drivers would now try to fix a problem with their car themselves.

Just under half of those polled would look online if the dashboard started flashing at them with unrecognisable symbols. And 3 per cent of people would continue to drive their car regardless of warnings until it felt unsafe.

When it comes to car maintenance, a quarter of motorists admit they have been late in getting the British equivalent of New Zealand’s warrant of fitness.

Of these, 18 per cent took their car to the garage more than 16 days after the test was due. Most common reasons were forgetting, feeling the car was safe and not being able to afford it.