When you get a new car, whether it’s fitted with a VW turbo or otherwise, it can be hard work trying to figure out just what all the little lights mean on the dashboard. But luckily help is at hand in the form of a new app from the AA, which helps motorists identify the different symbols so they know what to do.
The app also allows people to report and track a break down so they will be able to tell how long it will take for the AA patrol to arrive. Other features include traffic updates and route planners, as well as reminders for tax, MOT, insurance and service dates. Enhanced features include a parking space finder and a fuel price checker.
Research from the AA has found that over one in eight drivers don’t have a handbook in the car, yet the organisation attends 17,000 warning light-related calls each month.
“Although most warning light symbols are standardised, many are not and with some car dashboards resembling the Starship Enterprise, it’s no wonder that some drivers are left bewildered,” AA patrol of the year Max Holdstock said.
This comes after Gocompare.com found that 1.2 million people have either had an accident or a near miss because of being distracted by what’s on their dashboard, or other in-car media. What’s more, just 44 per cent of motorists believe that driving aids make it easier to be on the road.
Those aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to be distracted by gadgets on their dashboard, it was found.