Can you correctly identify symbols for frequently-used functions or basic warning lights on your dashboard? Here are some of the more common warning lights and advice on what to do if they’re displayed on your car.
If a warning light appears (or fails to extinguish after you’ve started the engine) you should stop as soon as possible in a safe place and refer to the handbook, which should indicate whether it’s safe to continue driving or not.
Oil pressure
If the light stays on after starting or illuminates during a journey, stop immediately, switch off the engine and check the engine oil level. 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.
Battery charge
If it does not illuminate at all, or if it illuminates while driving, your battery is not being charged. This may be due to: slack battery or starter terminals; a broken or loose alternator drive belt; or an alternator failure.
If the drive belt is broken, it must be replaced before you restart the engine. The coolant system may rely on this belt and its failure could cause the engine to overheat, in turn causing engine damage.
Move the vehicle to a safe location and switch off the engine. Seek assistance. Do not restart the engine.
Brake system
Illumination after releasing the handbrake may indicate low brake fluid level. Add the correct brake fluid at once to the maximum mark. Check your brake fluid level frequently to ensure there is no further rapid loss of fluid. If the brake fluid is too low and brake pedal travel is distinctly longer than usual, one of the two hydraulic brake circuits may have failed. Do not continue your journey and seek assistance.
If the light remains illuminated, even though the brake fluid level is correct, this may indicate a sensor fault. Take your vehicle to a dealer or garage as soon as possible.
ABS warning light
Illumination when driving indicates a malfunction. Have this checked as soon as possible. Normal braking (without ABS) will generally be maintained and many cars will be safe to drive on, but some will not – check the handbook for advice.
Brake system and ABS warning lights
If both warning lights illuminate at the same time when driving, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Reduce vehicle speed gradually and immediately move the vehicle to a safe location.
Use the brakes with great care. Do not step on the brake pedal abruptly. Seek assistance.
Fuel filter water trap (diesel engines)
If it illuminates while driving, it indicates that water has been detected in the fuel filter. This light warns you that the amount of accumulated water in the fuel filter has reached the specified level.
Normally the vehicle is quite safe to drive, but have the accumulated water in the fuel filter drained off as soon as possible.
If the vehicle has just been re-fuelled, immediately move the vehicle to a safe location and switch off the engine. The fuel may have been contaminated and could cause damage to the injection system.