Dashboard warning lights you should not ignore

The brake system warning light, also known as the” parking brake warning light’ or ‘brake fluid warning light’, alerts you to any issues with this vital area of your vehicle. If this red light remains on after you have released the handbrake fully, or if it comes on whilst you are driving you should act immediately.  One of the most important safety features of your vehicle, it is imperative that your vehicle is seen by a professional.

Advice from our experts:

This warning light may indicate that the brake fluid level is low and If the ABS warning light is also illuminated this signals that the braking system has malfunctioned and your brakes may not be functioning properly. Should that be the problem, the Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) warning light may also be illuminated.

Your vehicle is not safe to drive. You may put yourself and others at grave risk if you do so. Instead, you should contact a garage or call for breakdown recovery 

Dave Reeve – Technician

The low engine oil or low oil pressure light indicates that there is a problem with the vehicle’s oil system. This warning light comes on when the oil temperature gets too high or indicates that the oil level or pressure is too low. This is detrimental to your engine as it means that the oil is not lubricating the engine effectively and can cause a complete engine failure.

Advice from our experts:

“When this light comes stop as soon as possible. Switch off the engine and look for any oil leaks underneath the vehicle. It might be that you just need to top up your oil so check the level. Check for any leaks while you are under the hood. If the light goes off once you top up your oil and there are no obvious leaks then you should be alright to continue your journey. If not, you will need to get your vehicle to a garage to be seen by a professional.

If the oil levels appear normal, this could indicate a faulty oil pump in which case you will need to call for recovery and get the issue resolved by a professional. Keeping on top of your servicing can help prevent issues with your oil system.” 

Adam Green – Senior Technician

The battery charge light or battery charging system light comes on battery is not charging properly. There are several reasons that this could be happening such as an issue with your vehicle’s electrical system, a faulty alternator or battery, or damaged cabling.

Advice from our experts:

“While your vehicle will drive until the battery is dead, once it is drained nothing will work. It is important to get it to a garage for inspection before you run out of juice. Remember that your battery also charges the radio and heating so switch these off. If you do run out of charge you can try to jump-start your vehicle or you may need to call to be recovered.” 

Lee Mayne – Director of CVS 

The coolant temperature car warning light will come on when your engine is overheating. This light could indicate that coolant levels are running low, that there is a potential leak in the system, or it could be a sign of a more serious and larger problem such as a head gasket failure.

Advice from our experts:

‘Stop your vehicle immediately. Failure to do so could cause irreparable damage to your engine. Leave your vehicle to cool down properly and then check the fluid levels. Checking the gauge on the side of the coolant tank under the bonnet and top up if required. Remove the radiator cap when the engine is cooled sufficiently and wear a thick glove or use a towel to remove it as otherwise you could get burned.

 If the light goes off then you should be safe to continue driving but make sure you have a look for any obvious leaks while you are under the bonnet. If the light comes back on, you know that it is a more complicated issue that needs investigating by a trusted garage.”

Russell Morgan – Technician

It is also important to investigate or take notice of any amber dashboard warning lights and recognise what they mean.

Engine warning light flashing on your dashboard? This may be illuminated to alert you to a minor fault with your vehicle’s engine, however, it could also mean that a more serious issue is present. This light is often accompanied by other signs that your engine isn’t working as it should. You may be experiencing a lack of power or feel the car stutter as you press the accelerator. Revert to a garage for inspection as soon as possible. Subsequent failure to do so could result in more expensive and grave damage to your vehicle.

If the TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) starts illuminating, it is trying to alert you that the tyre pressure is low. Accordingly, tt is important to check at the nearest opportunity and inflate the tyre. Remember to reset this on your dashboard once you have pumped up.  If it goes off you are safe to carry on with your journey. If it comes back on this could indicate a puncture and you will need to get it seen by a garage or call for assistance.

A brake pad warning light shows up when a sensor has detected your brake pads are too thin and need replacement. This light comes on before the brake pads become dangerous but is your cue to book your vehicle in ASAP.

As we have said above the coolant level light comes on to indicate the coolant levels in your engine. Amber is not a sign to panic but it is your vehicle’s way of pre-empting a more serious issue. It lets you know that coolant levels are running low and is reminding you to top up.

*Please note, whilst we have indicated some of the most serious warning lights it is always advisable to take all warning lights seriously, to prevent damage to your vehicle and ensure the safety of you and other road users.