More than 23 million frugal drivers are putting their lives at risk by delaying a trip to a garage despite being aware of a fault with their vehicle.

Research commissioned by esure car insurance found that 33% of motorists admitted ignoring car defects to avoid paying out for repairs. Around one in five even ignore warning lights on their car dashboard. A further 10% admitted to ignoring the faults until their cars’ MOT was due – causing potential danger on UK roads.

Furthermore, 31% claimed that they didn’t have time to take their car to a garage while 8% confessed to only fixing problems with their car if it became completely unusable.
Nearly half of those questioned said that they would prioritise spending their monthly wage on leisure activities such as clothes shopping and booking holidays rather than fixing a known fault on their car.

The research also revealed that 72% of driver did not know what all the important warning symbols meant on their car dashboard.

Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure, said: “Driving a car with a fault – no matter how small it may be, could potentially increase the likelihood of having an accident or breakdown. Motorists should always think about the internal feel of the car while driving as well as any unusual noise they may hear.

“esure urges all drivers to check their dashboard for any warning lights the next time they’re in the car and if unsure about what a specific light means, to check their manual or take their car to the local garage for it to be looked at.”