A poll of 2,000 drivers found 28 per cent admitted to having a poor understanding of what the lights displayed on their car screen mean. But 14 per cent have ignored the warnings and avoided taking their motor to the garage for servicing, maintenance and repairs because it's too expensive and too much of a hassle.

This ignorance has racked up an average bill of £190 - something 44 per cent admitted to doing unless the issue becomes ‘serious’. One in five of those who avoid garages know someone who can fix it for them, so opt not to use a professional mechanic.

The study was commissioned by Halfords, which has teamed up with TV presenter and comedian Judi Love to investigate why so many Brits have concerns about getting their wheels looked at and the importance of getting warning lights checked.

Judi Love, who is working with Halfords to encourage more Brits to feel confident about getting their wheels repaired, said: "People don’t need to be car experts or know all the terminology to ask for help – I certainly don’t.

"The important thing is feeling comfortable speaking up when something doesn’t look or feel right. My car is so far down the list of priorities that I’m literally running around at the last minute to fix it!

“I’m as guilty as everyone else that I hop in and just hope nothing flashes this month. It’s why I’ve insisted on my daughter learning to drive - so she can take care of it. But one thing I do know is that when warning lights come on, they shouldn't be ignored, as a small issue today can quickly become a much bigger and more expensive problem tomorrow.”

The study also found 11 per cent admitted they would rather go to the dentist than a workshop. It emerged 55 per cent have broken down and been left stranded for an average of 76 minutes after putting something off.

It’s not just the warning signs which are confusing drivers, as 20 per cent often see driving-related abbreviations they don't understand. More than one in eight (13 per cent) were unsure what 'MPH' - miles per hour - stands for, while 17 per cent did not know that 'EV' means electric vehicle.

Just 16 per cent of those polled via OnePoll.com know what DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) stands for and ECU (electronic control unit) left 77 per cent stumped. To avoid looking foolish, 13 per cent have pretended to know the meaning of a car-related term when they weren’t sure.

Karen Bellairs, chief customer officer & managing director of garages for Halfords said: “What this research really shows is that people don’t need more motoring jargon, they need straightforward, trusted help when something doesn’t look or feel right.

“People shouldn’t have to be an expert in cars or bikes to feel confident asking for help - it’s our job to make looking after their wheels as simple and reassuring as possible.

“Whether it’s a warning light, a flat battery or a strange rattling noise, our experts are here to explain what’s needed in plain English and find the right solution, taking the worry away and helping people keep their lives rolling.”