Modern cars have more warning lights than ever, and it can be hard to know which ones are urgent and which can wait until your next service. We get calls about dashboard lights every week at AVS, so here is our straightforward guide to the most common ones.
Red Lights — Stop and Deal With It
Red warning lights are the serious ones. If a red light comes on while you are driving, you should pull over safely as soon as possible and investigate.
Engine Oil Pressure (oil can symbol) — This is the most urgent light on your dashboard. It means your engine oil pressure has dropped dangerously low. Pull over immediately and turn off the engine. Check your oil level. Do not drive the car until the issue is resolved — running an engine without oil pressure will destroy it in minutes.
Engine Temperature (thermometer in water) — Your engine is overheating. Pull over, turn off the engine, and let it cool down for at least 30 minutes before checking the coolant level. Do not open the coolant cap while the engine is hot. If the coolant is low, you may have a leak.
Battery / Charging (battery symbol) — Your alternator is not charging the battery. You can usually drive home or to a garage, but your battery will eventually go flat. Turn off anything non-essential (heated seats, radio, air con) to conserve power.
Brake System (exclamation mark in circle) — Check your handbrake is fully released first. If the light stays on, your brake fluid may be low or there could be a fault with the braking system. Get it checked before driving further.
Amber / Orange Lights — Attention Needed
Amber lights mean something needs attention, but it is usually safe to continue driving to a garage.
Engine Management Light (engine outline) — This is the most common amber light we see. It means the engine's computer has detected a fault. It could be something minor like a faulty sensor, or something more significant. You can usually drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. We can plug in our diagnostic equipment and read the fault codes to tell you exactly what is going on.
DPF Warning (diesel cars — box with dots) — Your diesel particulate filter needs regenerating. This usually happens when you have been doing lots of short journeys. Take the car for a 20-minute drive at motorway speeds (keeping the revs above 2,000 rpm) and the light should go out. If it does not, bring it in — we have TerraClean machines that can clean DPFs without removal.
ABS Warning (ABS in circle) — Your anti-lock braking system has a fault. Your normal brakes will still work, but the ABS safety feature is disabled. Get it checked, especially in wet weather.
Tyre Pressure (exclamation mark in tyre shape) — One or more tyres are below the recommended pressure. Check all four tyres (and the spare if you have one) and inflate to the correct pressure. If the light comes back on after inflating, you may have a slow puncture.
When to Call Us
If you are ever unsure about a warning light, give us a ring on 01425 200826. We are happy to talk you through it over the phone and let you know whether it is safe to drive in or whether you need recovery. There is no charge for a quick bit of advice — that is what your local garage is for.
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