Don't let your car grind to a halt this summer

• Drivers in London are the worst  in the country when it comes to breaking down after failing to attend to warning lights which appear on their dashboard whilst driving 
• Thinking about the last time a warning light came on, 30 per cent of Londoners used Google to help identify the problem and 27 per cent used YouTube
• On average, drivers wait up to 42 hours to attend to a warning light.
• Some drivers take up to three days to react to potentially life-threatening brake warning lights
   

New research out today by breakdown cover provider Green Flag reveals almost one in five (17 per cent) drivers in London break down after failing to attend to warning lights on their dashboard. 

Those in London who have had a warning light illuminate on their dashboard, 39 per cent went to a local garage or dealership, 32 per cent checked the car manufacturer’s handbook and only 17 per cent knew immediately what the problem was, Thinking about the last time a warning light came on, 30 per cent of Londoners used Google to help identify the problem and 27 per cent used YouTube.

BMW and Audi drivers are the most unlikely to know what their warning light meant, compared to Renault and Vauxhall drivers who were the most diligent, with 46 per cent and 50 per cent recognising their warning lights.

On average, drivers waited up to 42 hours to attend to a warning light. When warning lights did appear, drivers reacted to low fuel quickest (16 hours) compared to problems with the braking system which took up to three days to address. 

Reaction times:

Source Green Flag, 2016

Nick Reid, head of rescue at Green Flag, commented: "A large number of breakdowns across the UK each year are avoidable, so take the time to check your car and pay close attention to any warning lights on your dashboard.”

“Warning lights can mean anything from something as simple as needing to put on your seat belt, to something far more serious like low oil levels, which could cause irreparable damage to your engine.

Nick recommends that, “All drivers should understand what their warning lights mean, so if the worst should happen, you know whether you need immediate assistance or if you can wait until you get to a garage.A red light signifies a serious problem as can an orange which means something requires urgent attention, do not drive and seek assistance. Green is a reminder, not a problem."

For further information on how to recognise your warning light go to; https://www.greenflag.com/advice/maintenance/dashboard-warning-lights 

    ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1 Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2,004 UK adults aged 18+ from 6th to 9th of May 2016. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.

For further information, please contact:
Christopher Meers
Green Flag
0190 363 6074
Chris.meers@directlinegroup.co.uk 

About Green Flag
With over 40 years experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).
 
Green Flag Motoring Assistance is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 
 
Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com