Car insurance experts recently investigated the most commonly ignored car issues and why drivers are reluctant to fix them immediately.
Continuing to drive a vehicle after identifying a fault can be a safety hazard and, in severe cases, even result in legal repercussions. Despite this, nearly three in five (57%) car owners admitted to driving their vehicle after noticing a defect.
The Issues Most Commonly Ignored
Identified Issue |
Number of car owners out of those who admitted to continued driving |
|
Tyres are at the incorrect pressure |
33% |
|
Wipers/washers not working |
22% |
|
Worn tyres that need replacing |
21% |
|
Damaged windshield (cracks or chips) |
19% |
|
The lights are not all operating correctly |
19% |
Neglected Faults that Threaten Road Safety
Tyres
Among those who continued driving despite observing faults, over half (53%) cited tyre-related issues. From September 2023 to 2024, over 8,000 motorists were convicted for driving with defective tyres[1]. This offence can result in 3 penalty points and a fine of up to £2,500 (per tyre)[2]. Defective tyres pose a risk to safety as they make it difficult to control or stop the car and increase the risk of skidding, which can cause accidents.
Wipers and Windshields
While malfunctioning wipers and a damaged windshield may appear superficial flaws, they could impair the driver’s visibility. The Road Vehicles Regulations state that you should not drive if you don’t have a full view of the road ahead[3]. Doing so can obstruct your view of oncoming traffic, hazards and lights, increasing the risk of accidents. If caught, you could face a £1000 fine[4] and receive three penalty points on your licence.
Lights
Faulty lights are also frequently ignored by drivers. If caught on the road with an incorrect or broken light, you would likely receive a warning in the form of a ‘vehicle defect rectification notice’ and have to provide proof of rectifying the issue within 14 days[5], or risk prosecution. Working lights help drivers see what’s in front of them and allow other road users to see them, particularly in situations of reduced visibility, like at night or during bad weather.
Repairs Cost Time and Money
Time and money were the biggest hurdles for car owners who continued to drive after noticing faults with their vehicle. The main reasons flagged were drivers being in the process of arranging the repair (38%), needing to save up before they could afford it (10%), and not realising the fault was a serious problem (10%).
Uswitch car insurance Expert, Leoni Moninska, Shares Tips on Being Prepared to Deal With Car Faults:
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“Stay on top of maintenance: Book your car’s annual MOT to ensure it’s safe to drive. If you receive any MOT advisories or spot a fault yourself, attend to the issue(s) as quickly as possible by visiting a mechanic or your vehicle’s manufacturer. Familiarise yourself with what matters to look out for. You could do this by reading your vehicle’s manual or reading through the aspects checked in an MOT.
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“Ensure you have adequate insurance: Car insurance doesn’t just cover accidents or theft. Depending on the policy and add-ons you opt for, you may also be able to receive financial support for certain repairs. For example, a windscreen cover allows you to get any chips and cracks fixed, or even a replacement if the damage is severe. Check any existing or future policies thoroughly to ensure you have the right cover for your needs.
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“Reduce related costs: If service or repair costs are a concern, compare prices at different garages to find the cheapest available. Getting more than one opinion on defects can also help ensure you’re not overcharged. Dealing with issues early is the best way to save money and avoid further, more costly damage. You could also put some money aside each month in case of emergencies, like urgent repairs. Additionally, driving with a defect can result in penalty points and fines, which not only come with immediate costs but also increase the price of your insurance premium.”