Don't Ignore That Dashboard Light!

That sudden appearance of a new light on your dashboard can cause a wave of anxiety. Is it serious? Can I keep driving? Understanding what your car is trying to tell you is the first step to making a safe decision.

Here’s a guide to the most common warning lights, categorised by a simple traffic light system:

Red Lights: Stop Safely, Now!

A red warning light indicates a potentially serious problem. You should find a safe place to pull over and stop as soon as possible.

• Engine Temperature Light: This looks like a thermometer in water. Your engine is overheating. Continuing to drive could cause catastrophic engine damage.
• Oil Pressure Light: This looks like an old-fashioned oil can. It means there's a loss of oil pressure. Turn the engine off immediately to prevent severe damage.
• Brake Warning Light: Usually an exclamation mark in a circle. It could mean your handbrake is on, but if it stays lit, it indicates a serious fault in the braking system.

Amber/Orange Lights: Caution, Get it Checked Soon

An amber light is a notification of a less critical issue. You can usually continue driving, but you should get the vehicle checked by a professional as soon as possible.

• Check Engine Light: This looks like a stylised engine. It can indicate a huge range of issues, from a loose petrol cap to a serious sensor failure. While not always an immediate emergency, it should never be ignored.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): An exclamation mark inside a flat tyre shape. It means one or more of your tyres is significantly under-inflated, which can be dangerous.
• ABS Light: Indicates a fault with the Anti-lock Braking System. Your normal brakes will still work, but the ABS safety feature is disabled.

When in Doubt, Call the Experts

If a warning light comes on and you're unsure of its meaning or you feel the car behaving differently, the safest option is to pull over and call for professional help. The team at Advance Vehicle Recovery can provide on-the-spot diagnostics or safely transport your vehicle to a garage for a full check-up. Don't risk it – call us 24/7 for assistance.