Common Car Warning Lights – What Do They Mean?
Warning lights which appear on the dashboard of your car can indicate problems with the overall operation of the vehicle, so it is essential to remain aware of what the most common issues might be and how they can be quickly dealt with. It is important for you to know whether a warning light requires immediate attention or whether you are able to continue with your journey safely and have a garage investigate your vehicle later.
If a warning light appears on your dashboard and remains lit after the ignition has been turned off and back on again, you will need to take your car to a professional garage where it will undergo vehicle diagnostics to identify the problem. Here, the technicians will assess any problems your vehicle’s computer may flag up, including issues with your ABS, battery, diesel particulate filter, air conditioning, radiators and gaskets, catalytic converters, oil, and seat belts.
Many warning lights are specific to the make or model of the car, so refer to the vehicle handbook where necessary for a detailed explanation of the meaning of the lights and the action you need to take. From January 2012, some new mandatory test items were included in the MOT test, which includes checks to ensure the following warning lights are functioning correctly:
- Warning lights
- Electronic stability program light
- Airbag warning light
- Seat belt warning light
- Headlight main beam light
- Tyre pressure warning light
Operating a dependable and fully functioning car is of paramount importance to ensure the safety of you and your passengers. The following list is a few of the most common warning lights which may appear if there is a problem with your car.
Oil pressure warning light
The oil pressure warning light should illuminate when the ignition is switched on and should disappear as soon as the engine starts. If the light stays on after starting or appears during a journey, stop immediately, switch off the engine, check the engine oil level and top up straight away if the level is low. If the warning lamp illuminates even though the oil level is correct, do not start the engine and seek assistance as soon as possible. If this light still appears after the handbrake is released this may indicate a low brake fluid level. Referring to the handbook, add the brake fluid immediately to bring fluid level up to the correct level. Remember to check the brake fluid level frequently to ensure there is no further rapid loss of fluid. If the light remains illuminated even though brake fluid is correct, this may indicate a sensor fault so take your vehicle to a garage as soon as possible.
Engine warning light
The engine warning light should illuminate when the ignition is switched on and should disappear as soon as the engine starts. If it still appears while the engine is running, this indicates a malfunction with the engine management system so make sure you have this checked as soon as possible. If it flashes when driving, reduce the vehicle speed immediately until the light illuminates constantly. If it continues to flash, avoid heavy acceleration and high engine speed, stop the vehicle and have it checked immediately. With the light illuminated, the vehicle is still safe to drive as long as no other faults are apparent with the engine. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer or garage as soon as possible to avoid any damage being caused.
Munster Tyres
Here at Munster Tyres, our expert team specialise in making sure your vehicle remains in top working order for complete safety and high performance. Taking your car for regular servicing and car repairs is strongly advised to increase the lifetime of your vehicle and avoid paying out a substantial amount of money in the future. Our highly trained team of professionals can carry out a thorough examination of your car ensuring each element operates as it should. For further information or to book an appointment, simply get in touch with our friendly team today!