The latest survey from ClickMechanic revealed that 29% of UK motorists will ignore the engine warning light until a fix becomes more convenient.

The results found that of the 2,000 asked 29% will ignore warning lights until a more convenient time, while 23% will wait for up to two weeks before having the vehicle checked.  

Only 2% will wait for longer than this and 4% will completely ignore the light until it starts affecting the performance of the car. 

While 83% of drivers aged over 55 will take immediate action, only 62% of those aged between 18 and 54 will do the same.

Some motorists would completely ignore the light until it begins to affect the car; 8% of drivers aged between 18 and 34 admit to this, whereas 4% of those aged 35-54 and only 2% of those aged over 55 say the same.  

ClickMechanic’s co-founder Andrew Jervis (pictured) said: “The check engine light is designed to alert the driver to what could be a serious problem with the engine and, as such, it should always be dealt with immediately.

“The longer the driver waits to investigate, the more likely the problem will affect the car itself. Whilst this survey indicates that most drivers are aware of this, one in three will still wait to deal with the issue; even if it is a week later, this will potentially affect everyone’s safety on the road and could substantially increase the cost to repair.”