Why do some drivers ignore 'check engine' light and other warnings?
"It's vital that people don't ignore these things," says motoring enthusiast, Kumbi Mtshakazi.
Picture: Pixabay
Gugs Mhlungu spoke to resident Motoring Enthusiast, Kumbi Mtshakazi.
Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below.
Dashboard warning lights are how your car communicates with you when something is wrong.
One such warning that many motorists don't want to see lighting up, is the engine light.
According to the International Drivers Association, around 29% of drivers ignore the 'check engine' light.
"This is actually so worrying to me the fact that people ignore these warning lights - they are so important. The engineers who put on these lights know exactly why they put in these lights."
- Kumbi Mtshakazi, Motoring Enthusiast
"Some of them, their dashboards, their clusters look like an entire Christmas tree with all these lights and they just drive with no worry in the world."
- Kumbi Mtshakazi, Motoring Enthusiast
A recent News24 article provides the 10 most common reasons people disregard their check engine light and other warning lights flickering on the car's dashboard:
1. The fear factor
Often, drivers fear the costs associated with potential repairs, opting to ignore the check engine light rather than face expensive fixes.
"I think people are always scared in terms of not being sure what costs this repair might come with so let me just ignore the problem but that might cause you to have something very hectic happening on the road because of that."
- Kumbi Mtshakazi, Motoring Enthusiast
2. Lack of understanding
Many motorists aren't sure what the check engine light really signifies.
"Every vehicle has a manual and we need to take the onus on ourselves and go through our vehicle manual...we read the manual when something is wrong."
- Kumbi Mtshakazi, Motoring Enthusiast
3. Busy lives
Many drivers cite hectic schedules as a reason to ignore warning lights.
4. The warning light cry-wolf
When the check engine light flickers inconsistently, some drivers take it as a false alarm and ignore it.
5. The 'It Feels Fine' Syndrome
Drivers may continue to ignore the check engine light if they don't notice any difference in how the vehicle operates. Just because a car 'feels fine' doesn't mean an issue isn't brewing.
6. Risk misjudgement
Some drivers believe the issue causing the check engine light isn't severe.
7. Ordinary negligence
Simple negligence is a common reason for ignoring the check engine light. It's about responsibility. Your vehicle's safe functioning isn't just your concern but a safety matter for all road users.
8. Scepticism about car technology
Some drivers, particularly older ones, mistrust modern car technology.
9. Habitual behaviour
Habitual offenders tend to disregard the check engine light.
10. False sense of vehicle immunity
Some drivers feel their vehicle is immune to any major issues because of its brand or model.
Scroll up to listen to the full interview.