Millions of UK drivers can instantly recognise fast‑food logos like McDonald’s, with 88% identifying the golden arches on sight, yet 81% admit they don’t recognise the engine cooling warning light, one of the most important symbols on the dashboard that could avoid thousands in repairs.
The new research, by Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, uncovers how much Brits know about their warning lights compared to fast food outlets, revealing KFC (87%), Domino’s (82%) and Greggs (65%) are also among the most recognised logos on UK roads.
Meanwhile, vital dashboard symbols remain a mystery as shockingly, less than half know an A/C system fault light (44%), as well as brake pad monitoring (45%) and limited power warning (49%), which can be critical for driving safely.
| Fast food logos (most known) | Dashboard warning lights (lesser known) |
| McDonalds – 88% | Engine cooling warning – 19% know it |
| 2. KFC – 87% | 2. A/C system fault – 44% |
| 3. Dominos – 82% | 3. Brake system warning – 45% |
| 4. Greggs – 65% | 4. Brake pad monitoring – 45% |
| 5. Pizza Hut – 65% | 5. Limited power warning – 49% |
| 6. Burger King – 62% | 6. Battery charging system – 57% |
| 7. Nandos – 58% | 7. Tyre pressure warning – 60% |
1 in 6 motorists (15%) admitted to ignoring their warning lights, including 21% of Gen Z (18-24s), which can lead to dangerous driving conditions, fines, as well as costly repairs if left unchecked.
To help drivers understand the lesser-known warning lights, Keith Hawes, Director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, has given his tips on what to do when you see these three warnings:
- Engine cooling warning light
Surprisingly, only a fifth (19%) of drivers know this warning light. It means the engine temperature is getting too high and indicates your car needs a top-up of engine coolant. If caught early, this can cost up to £500 to repair, but if ignored it can cause serious engine damage with full engine replacements ranging from £1,500 to £5,000 depending on the vehicle.
If you see this light:
- Pull over to the side of the road and turn off your engine to prevent damage or overheating.
- Let your car cool down and check the coolant level. If you need to add coolant, check the owner’s manual to see what type your vehicle needs.
- Adding coolant can fix the problem. If not, the engine may be too damaged to drive. In this case, you’ll need to call a tow truck to take the car to a mechanic.
2. A/C system fault
This light signals a fault in your car’s air conditioning system, which could affect cabin cooling and, in some cases, overall climate control efficiency.
While this warning isn’t as critical as engine cooling, only 44% of people recognise it and ignoring it could lead to costly repairs or complete system failure over time.
If you see this light:
- Don’t panic, it’s not an immediate safety risk.
- You can continue driving, but book a service appointment soon to avoid further issues.
- If the A/C stops working completely, check your car’s manual for troubleshooting steps or consult a mechanic.
3. Brake pad monitoring light
With over half of drivers (55%) not knowing this symbol, this critical warning signifies that the brake pads are worn and could need replacing.
If you see this light:
- Don’t ignore it! Worn brake pads reduce stopping power and increase risk.
- You can usually continue driving short distances, but book a brake inspection as soon as possible.
- If the light is flashing, it signals a serious issue. Stop driving and call a mechanic immediately.
Brake pad replacement typically costs around £250, depending on your vehicle.
Keith added: “We wanted to see how well drivers understand the symbols that keep them safe – and the results were surprising. It’s funny that most people can recognise a burger brand instantly, but not a critical dashboard warning. Knowing these symbols isn’t just useful, it can help prevent dangerous breakdowns and save you from costly repairs.”
For more of the least known warning lights and what to do when one comes on, visit: https://www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/blog/recognising-dashboard-warning-lights
Photo by Mike Bird: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-gray-vehicle-analog-instrument-cluster-panel-241188/
