When you start your car and a light switches on on your dashboard, you know it’s going to be bad news. However, recent surveys suggest that only 7% of UK drivers can recognise what each symbol means.
If you’re one of these 7%, don’t be afraid. We’re going to explain what each one means and why you should take heed of its warning.
Remember:
- A red dashboard light requires immediate attention.
- An amber warning light indicates something might be wrong, so it’s worth checking with a professional.
- A green dashboard light means everything is working as it should.
Ignoring a dashboard symbol can increase the price of a repair and, more importantly, put you at even greater risk while driving on the roads.
Dashboard warning lights
Oil pressure warning
If your oil pressure light is on, this could indicate anything from your oil being low and you just need to top it up to there’s a major problem that could cause permanent – and extremely expensive – damage to your engine.
If your oil pressure warning light is glowing amber, this could indicate the oil is old and needs changing. It could also be trying to tell you that your oil levels are a little on the low side. It’s important to remain calm and address the issue the next time it’s safe to do so.
If you don’t resolve the issue when the light is glowing amber, it may turn red or start flashing – a critical warning. This is when there’s the potential for serious, long-lasting damage and could be:
- A severe oil leak.
- A faulty oil pump.
If you have a red or flashing oil light, stop driving and seek professional assistance asap. This can help you avoid your engine overheating or completely failing.
ABS/Brake warnings
The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) light comes on when there’s an issue with the system designed to prevent wheel lock during sudden braking. This could be down to the following:
- Sensor faults.
- Electronic issues.
If this light comes on, drive slowly and sensibly to a nearby garage. Stop immediately and call a mobile mechanic or your emergency breakdown provider if you hear any strange noises.
If the brake warning lights up, this could be down to:
- Low fluid levels.
- A leak in the braking system.
These issues can lead to reduced braking problems or even failure; something nobody wants to experience while driving out and about.
If this light comes on but you do not notice any difference in the brakes, drive to a garage to get your vehicle checked over. If there’s a significant difference and braking feels weak or unresponsive, pull over, check your brake fluid levels and contact a mechanic or breakdown provider for assistance if needed.
If the ABS and brake warning lights both come on, for your own safety you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. Avoid any sudden braking as both lights indicate there is a serious problem. Get the car off the road safely and call your breakdown provider or roadside assistance.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) warning light
If you drive a diesel car, keep an eye out for the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) warning light. If it’s lit up, that means your DPF is clogged up, normally because of excessive soot build-up.
This filter is designed to reduce harmful particulate emissions, but frequent short journeys or low-speed driving can stop it cleaning itself, which can cause issues.
If a blocked DPF is not cleared, your car’s fuel efficiency can reduce – leading to a failed MOT and/or even more expensive repairs.
- If your DPF light is flashing, drive at a steady speed of over 40mph (as long as that’s within the speed limit) for 10 to 30 minutes. This will burn the excess soot and help the filter clear out.
- If the DPF light is solid, get to a garage as soon as you can. It’s possible your filter will need a forced regeneration or professional cleaning.
Airbag/Seatbelt warning light
The airbag warning light coming on means there is an issue that could prevent your airbag from deploying during an accident. It’s so important to get this sorted as crashing without an airbag could potentially be fatal.
If this light comes on, get your car checked by a qualified mechanic.
Engine Warning light
A steady or flashing ‘check engine light’ lets you know about any potential issues with your engine. It can also be red when the damage is extensive. This light will turn on when the engine sensors have detected a fault
If this light comes on, don’t ignore it. Arrange to see a mechanic as soon as possible to resolve the issue. If the light is flashing or red, park safely and then call your breakdown provider.
Battery warning light
The battery light will come on to let you know your battery isn’t charging. This could indicate anything from a flat battery to a problem with the wiring.
If it turns red, you should get off the road as soon as it is safe to do so or head to a garage if there is one nearby. Turn off your engine and contact your breakdown provider.
Tyre pressure warning light
The tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light will come on when the air pressure in one or more of your tyres is starting to get low. You should pump some air into the affected tyres (some cars will be able to let you know which) as soon as possible.
Ignoring this light means you could be driving with reduced steering and potentially even illegally. If this light keeps coming back on after you’ve pumped up your tyres, it’s likely you may have a slow puncture and you’ll need to get a replacement.
Power steering warning light
This light signals that there could be a problem with your power steering system, if you have one. This could be the result of low fluid levels, a broken pump or other electrical issues. This could cause steering difficulties that result in dangerous driving.
Engine temperature/Coolant light
If your temperature warning light comes on, your coolant levels could be low. When safe to do so, pull over and check your coolant levels and top up if needed.
If it’s red, let your engine cool for at least half an hour. If it comes on again, get your vehicle checked by a professional.
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) warning light
Electronic Stability Programme is a safety feature designed to prevent vehicles skidding or sliding out of control.
A yellow ESP warning light can flicker when the vehicle is driven aggressively or experiences a sudden loss of traction. If it stays solid, the system has either developed a fault or been deactivated.
How can I avoid the symbols on my car dashboard lighting up?
Although sometimes these issues are unavoidable and happen due to general wear and tear of the vehicle, you can help keep your car in check by performing regular maintenance checks and taking it to an annual service.
It’s worth taking the time to read through your car’s manual to not only familiarise yourself with all of the warning lights but also other aspects of the car and how it works.
Don’t ignore any dashboard warning lights, especially if they are red or urgent. Get them looked over by a professional asap.
If the worst happens and your car does end up in the garage for a period of time, why not take out temporary car insurance to drive somebody else’s vehicle in the meantime?
With Tempcover, you can drive another car with complete peace of mind. It’s fully comprehensive cover that won’t affect any existing no claims discount, and is flexible from one hour to 28 days – so you only need to pay for the time you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a dashboard warning light appears?
If a warning light comes on, refer to your car’s manual or our guide to find out what it means. If the dashboard light is glowing amber, get your vehicle checked by a professional. If it’s red, stop driving immediately and contact a breakdown provider as soon as possible.
Can I drive if the car feels fine, even though a dashboard warning light is on?
Ignoring a warning light can lead to more extensive – and potentially expensive – problems. It’s always worth getting the issue looked at by a professional.
Are dashboard warning lights the same in all cars?
Many dashboard warning lights are standard but symbols and meanings may vary between different car manufacturers. Check your vehicle’s user manual to find out more.
What should I do if my car is in the garage for repairs?
If your car is going to be in the garage for a while, you could consider getting temporary car insurance to drive a friend or family member’s car.
Sources
https://www.kwik-fit.com/blog/what-to-do-when-your-brake-warning-light-comes-on
https://www.webuyanycar.com/guides/car-ownership/dpf-warning-light/
https://www.stoneacre.co.uk/blog/airbag-light-is-it-safe-to-keep-driving-with-it-on
https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/advice/engine-management-light
https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/advice/dashboard-warning-lights
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/car-dashboard-warning-lights-meaning/
