Dashboard warning lights: 23 million drivers in the dark

Gareth Herincx

54 mins ago
Auto News

Car dashboard warning lights -Warrantywise

Motorists are being urged to familiarise themselves with their dashboard warning lights as research reveals that 46% are unable to identify even half of their car’s warning lights.

As vehicles become more technologically advanced, this lack of understanding not only puts drivers at risk but could also lead to avoidable and costly repairs, warns Warrantywise – the UK’s leading provider of extended used car warranties.

Modern dashboards are equipped with sophisticated warning systems designed to keep drivers informed about their vehicle’s health, ranging from simple reminders, such as low washer fluid, to serious warnings about brake system failures or engine malfunctions.

Yet, Warrantywise’s research highlights a troubling knowledge gap, with many drivers unclear about what these signals mean or how urgently they should act when one appears.

Even more concerning, the survey also revealed that three per cent of drivers – around 1.5 million people – are unable to identify any dashboard warning lights at all, leaving them particularly vulnerable to unexpected breakdowns and expensive repair bills.

Ignoring or misinterpreting a warning light can result in delayed repairs, leading to more extensive damage and higher costs, and, in some cases, this could even compromise driver and passenger safety.

Warrantywise further warns that driving on damage can be a reason for a warranty claim being declined, and therefore it’s crucial motorists know what their warning lights mean, and when to stop to get it investigated.

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Revealed: Top 10 most reliable SUVs

Gareth Herincx

55 seconds ago
Auto News

Honda CR-V e:PHEV review

The Honda CR-V has been ranked as the most reliable used SUV, according leading UK used car warranty provider, Warrantywise.

Utilising data from 2021-24*, the Top 10 is based on a range of criteria, including repair costs, frequency of repairs, and overall reliability scores.

Honda CR-V

Fifth generation Honda CR-V (2017–2022)

Leading the pack with an overall score of 85/100, the Honda CR-V stands out for its consistent performance and low maintenance costs, making it a top choice for families looking to minimise the risk of unexpected repairs.

Closely following are the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Dacia Duster, with scores of 81/100 and 79/100 respectively, both proving robust and dependable, offering a balance of performance and cost-effectiveness that appeal to budget-conscious families.

Position Models Most Expensive
Repair Request
Overall Score /100
1 Honda CR-V £2,519.17 85
2 Mitsubishi Outlander £14,298.08 81
3 Dacia Duster £4,325.26 79
4 Kia Sportage £10,404.00 78
5 Ford EcoSport £7,242.85 77
6 Renault Captur £4,288.70 75
7 Hyundai ix35 £4,453.20 72
= Nissan Juke £10,850.58 72
9 BMW X3 £5,668.75 71
= Hyundai Tucson £8,799.74 71

“The Honda CR-V’s top ranking confirms its reputation as a dependable and trustworthy choice,” said Antony Diggins, Managing Director of Warrantywise.

“In a time when families need their vehicles to be as reliable as possible, especially with the increasing demands of daily life, having a car that consistently performs without unexpected breakdowns is invaluable.”

* Warrantywise’s 2021-24 data period includes the fifth and sixth generation Honda CR-V models.

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Revealed: The UK’s most reliable car brands

Gareth Herincx

23 hours ago
Auto News


Honda

Japanese and Korean car manufacturers have once again dominated an annual Top 10 of most reliable marques.

Honda topped the table, scoring an impressive 96.8/100 overall, according to Warrantywise – the UK’s leading extended car warranty provider,

The Reliability Index is compiled from more than 131,000 active extended car warranty plans between 2021 and 2022,

It ranks every car on a combination of factors, including the cost to carry out repairs and the frequency rate of those repairs.

With an impressive overall score of 96.8/100, Honda’s solid reputation for being ultra-dependable seems unshakeable, and as shown in previous Warrantywise data, the Honda Jazz was named the most reliable used car in this year’s Reliability Index.

Toyota came a close second, scoring 91.2/100 overall, followed by Suzuki.

Top 10 most reliable car brands 2022

  1. Honda – 96.8
  2. Toyota – 91.2
  3. Suzuki 88.7
  4. Kia 86.2
  5. Hyundai 80.5
  6. Fiat 79.9
  7. Citroën 74.3
  8. Renault 73.2
  9. Mazda 73.1
  10. Ford 73.1

“As the cost of living continues to rise, it’s important to keep things like reliability at the forefront of our minds when choosing a used car to buy,” said Lawrence Whittaker, CEO of Warrantywise.

“By collecting and collating all this data into an index like this one, we’re able to further help our customers with their purchases by arming them with information to try and help lessen the burden as much as we can.”

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Top 10 most reliable used cars

Gareth Herincx

1 day ago
Auto News

Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz is the most reliable used car, according to the latest figures released by Warrantywise’s annual Reliability Index.

First launched in the UK 20 years ago, and now in its fifth incarnation, the Jazz is known for being affordable and built to last, upholding the brand’s solid reputation for ultra-dependability.

Only including cars that are less than 10 years old, outside of the manufacturer’s warranty and discounting models with less than 100 plans to ensure a fair sample size, the Honda Jazz’s first position within the Reliability Index is an impressive placing as low pay out costs across the board contribute to Honda’s position as the most reliable car make.

With an average repair cost (cost recorded in 2021) of only £424.31 for the Jazz, Honda’s reputation remains strong, as consistency and dependability support the Japanese brand’s commitment to supplying products of the highest quality, yet at reasonable prices for maximum customer satisfaction.

As you can see, the rest of Warrantywise’s Reliability Index is dominated by Japanese and South Korean brands.

Top 10 most reliable used cars

Position Models Highest repair cost Overall Score /100
1 Honda Jazz £973.66 93.7
2 Mazda 2 £2,422.31 89.9
3 Toyota Auris £1,841.60 89.7
4 Mazda MX-5 £586.94 86.5
5 Toyota Aygo £1,339.36 85.5
6 Kia Ceed £1,914 85
7 Kia Rio £1,655.39 84.9
8 Suzuki Alto £733.70 83.9
9 Hyundai i20 £2,361.36 82.5
10 Peugeot 107 £1,128.44 81.6

“It’s unsurprising to see Honda top the table, given how reliable its cars have proven to be time and time again, with the results of our Reliability Index,” said Lawrence Whittaker, CEO of Warrantywise.

“The Reliability Index is such a great tool for us to be able to evaluate the market and help our customers make the right choice for them when it comes to deciding which car to purchase; especially now with the cost of parts and labour on the rise and people genuinely searching for the best options to suit their needs.”

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