When driving your vehicle it’s important to keep an eye on warning lights on the dashboard because they provide important information about the health and performance of your vehicle.
Warning lights are designed to alert you to potential problems or malfunctions in your vehicle that may affect its safety, reliability, or efficiency.
Some common warning lights that you should pay attention to include the check engine light, oil pressure warning light, battery warning light, and brake system warning light.
If you ignore these warnings, it could lead to serious issues, such as engine failure, brake failure, or even a breakdown on the road. Read on to learn exactly what each of these warning lights means:
Check Engine Light
The Check Engine Light on your dashboard resembles an engine block or may display a “check engine” message. It is used to indicate that your car’s sensors have detected an issue with your engine.
This could be caused by various factors such as a blocked DPF, oxygen sensor failure, issues with the mass airflow sensor, faulty spark plugs or a loose dipstick. It’s crucial to address the problem promptly to ensure your safety is not compromised.
The Check Engine Light will not reset without the help of a qualified mechanic and you must ensure that this light is working properly prior to an MOT.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
The oil pressure warning light on your car’s dashboard indicates that the oil pressure in your engine has dropped below a safe level. This warning light typically looks like an oil can or oil drop and may turn on when the engine is running or when you first start the car.
If you ignore the oil pressure warning light and continue to drive your car with low oil pressure, it could lead to serious engine damage, such as a seized engine, which can be expensive to repair.
Several factors can cause low oil pressure, including low oil level, a faulty oil pump, or a clogged oil filter. If the oil pressure warning light turns on, it’s essential to stop the car as soon as it is safe to do so and check the oil level.
Battery Warning Light
The battery warning light on a car’s dashboard typically looks like a battery symbol and indicates that there is an issue with the car’s charging system.
It’s essential to pay attention to this warning light because a malfunctioning charging system can cause your battery to die while driving, leaving you stranded. Additionally, a faulty charging system can also lead to other issues, such as difficulty starting the car or even engine failure.
If the battery warning light turns on, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and address the problem.
Brake System Warning Light
The brake system warning light on a car’s dashboard indicates an issue with the car’s braking system. This warning light is typically red and may indicate low brake fluid, a problem with the brake master cylinder, or a malfunction in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
It’s important to pay attention to this warning light because a malfunctioning braking system can lead to decreased braking performance and potentially cause accidents.
Tyre Pressure Warning Light
The tyre pressure warning light on a car’s dashboard indicates that one or more of the tyres has low air pressure. This warning light typically looks like an exclamation mark inside a tyre and may turn on when the pressure in a tyre drops below a certain level.
It’s important to pay attention to this warning light because driving with low tyre pressure can cause uneven tyre wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and potentially even a blowout, which can lead to a dangerous situation.
By keeping an eye on your warning lights and addressing any issues promptly, you can help ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and runs smoothly, which can ultimately help keep you safe while driving.
Remember, it’s important to refer to your vehicle’s owner manual to familiarise yourself with the meaning of each warning light and what action to take when they light up.