This blog is dedicated to helping car owners understand the various warning lights present in their vehicle. We’ll explain what each warning light means, why paying attention to them is important, and how to take the necessary steps to address any potential issues. By understanding what the warning lights tell you, you can save time and money in the long run.
Common Warning Lights/Faults & Their Meaning
- ABS Warning Light
- Airbag Warning Light
- Battery Warning Light
- Brake Warning Light
- Brake Pad Warning Light
- Coolant Level Warning Light
- Diesel Particulate Filter Warning Light
- Engine Management Light
- Engine Oil Warning Light
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
- ESP Warning Light
- Low Tyre Pressure Warning Light
- Power Steering Warning Light
ABS Warning Light
What does the ABS warning light mean?
If you’re driving your car and the ABS warning light comes on, it’s important to understand what this means and what to do next. ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System and it’s a safety feature designed to help you maintain control in slippery conditions like wet or icy roads. If the ABS warning light comes on, it’s usually indicating an issue with the system and it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible.
What should you do if your ABS light comes on?
You should take your car to a qualified mechanic to check the ABS system, who will then be able to diagnose any potential issues and advise on the necessary repairs. In the meantime, you should keep driving as normal, but be extra cautious when braking, make sure to apply steady pressure on the brakes and don’t slam them down as this could cause the wheels to lock up and make it harder to maintain control.
It’s important to get the ABS system checked as soon as possible to ensure it’s working properly and to help keep you safe on the road.
Airbag Warning Light
What does the Airbag warning light mean?
Also known as a supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning light is a vehicle safety feature that alerts you to a potential problem with your airbags or seatbelts. This warning light can also appear as an amber-coloured “SRS” symbol on your dashboard and it can usually indicate an issue with either the sensors or wiring in your car’s safety system.
What should you do if your airbag light comes on?
If either the SRS or airbag warning lights come on, it is important to diagnose and correct the issue. The first step is to check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to reset the warning light. If this does not work, then you should take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or dealership for further diagnosis.
It is best to address any issues with these warning lights as soon as possible, as your vehicle’s airbags and seat belts are an important part of your safety system.
Battery Warning Light
What does the battery warning light mean?
Battery warning lights are designed to notify the driver when the car’s battery is not receiving sufficient charge or when the voltage drops below normal levels. If the warning light comes on while driving, it’s essential to take action immediately as ignoring the warning light could result in a dead battery, which can be frustrating, especially if you are stranded in a remote location.
How long can I drive while my battery light is on?
To address the issue, turn off all unnecessary electrical components, check your battery terminals and alternator belt for any signs of damage, use a voltmeter to check your alternator and battery, and seek assistance from a professional mechanic if you need help. By taking these steps, you can diagnose and fix the problem before it causes any further damage.
Also, read our battery care blog to learn how to prevent ending up in this situation.
Brake Warning Light
What does this mean?
The brake warning light alerts the driver when there is an issue with the braking system, which could be caused by low brake fluid levels, worn brake pads, or damaged components. If the light comes on while driving, it is important to address the issue immediately to avoid accidents or damage to the braking system.
Is it safe to drive with my brake light on?
If you are confident in doing so, the checks that you can make include checking the brake fluid level and inspecting the brake pads and braking system for any leaks or damage, but if the problem persists seek assistance from a professional mechanic. It’s important not to drive the car if the issue remains unresolved.
Brake Pad Warning Light
What does this mean?
The brake pad warning light appears on the dashboard to alert the driver when the brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced. Worn-out brake pads can affect the car’s stopping power, posing a significant safety hazard.
What should I do if my brake pad warning light comes on?
If the brake pad warning light comes on while driving, confirm if the brake pads are worn out and have them replaced as soon as possible. Additionally, inspect the braking system for any other issues that may have caused the brake pads to wear out prematurely. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your car’s braking system is functioning correctly and avoid potential safety hazards.
Coolant Level Warning Light
What does this mean?
This light appears on the dashboard to alert the driver when the coolant level is low, which can cause severe damage to the engine.
Is it still safe to drive while my coolant light is on?
If the coolant level warning light comes on while driving, pull over and turn off the engine to allow it to cool down. Check the coolant level and add more if necessary, using the correct type recommended by the car manufacturer. Seek assistance from a professional mechanic if the issue persists to avoid potential engine damage.
Diesel Particulate Filter Warning Light
What does this mean?
The DPF warning light appears on the dashboard to alert the driver of a potential issue with the car’s Diesel Particulate Filter, usually caused by a build-up of soot.
Is it safe to drive with my DPF light on?
If the light comes on while driving, try to maintain a consistent speed and avoid stop-and-go driving, ensure regular servicing of the car, and seek assistance from a professional mechanic if the issue persists to avoid potential engine damage and costly repairs.
Engine Management Light
What does this mean?
The Engine Management Warning Light is an essential warning light on a car’s dashboard that indicates a problem with the engine, transmission, or emissions system. It typically appears as a yellow or orange engine icon and should not be ignored if it lights up while driving. It’s important to note if any other warning lights have also appeared, as this could indicate a more severe issue that requires immediate attention.
How long can I drive with my engine light on?
If the Engine Management Warning Light is the only warning light, it could indicate a minor issue, such as a faulty sensor. However, it’s crucial to seek assistance from a professional mechanic as soon as you can to identify and fix the underlying problem. Ignoring the warning light could lead to potential engine damage or failure.
Engine Oil Warning Light
What does this mean?
The engine oil warning light is one of the most important warning lights on a car’s dashboard. It indicates that the engine’s oil pressure has dropped below a safe level, which can cause serious damage to the engine if not addressed promptly. The warning light typically appears on the dashboard as an oil can symbol, often accompanied by a red or yellow colour.
Is it safe to drive with my oil light on?
If the engine oil warning light comes on while driving, it’s crucial to stop the vehicle as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Check the engine oil level using the dipstick and add oil if necessary. It’s also recommended to check for any signs of leaks or damage to the oil filter or oil pump. If the oil level is correct and no visible issues are found, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional mechanic, as the problem may be related to a faulty oil pressure sensor or a more significant engine issue. Ignoring the engine oil warning light can lead to severe engine damage, which can result in costly repairs or even engine replacement. Therefore, it’s essential to take this warning seriously and take appropriate action as soon as possible.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
What does this mean?
The engine temperature warning light is an important indicator on a car’s dashboard that signals potential engine overheating. Ignoring this warning light can lead to severe engine damage, and in some cases, the engine can catch fire.
What should I do if my engine temperature light comes on?
If the engine temperature warning light comes on while driving, it’s crucial to take immediate action. The first thing to do is to pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 30 minutes before checking the coolant level. If the coolant level is low, top it up to the recommended level. It’s also important to check for any leaks in the cooling system, such as a damaged radiator hose or a faulty water pump. If you notice any leaks, seek the help of a professional mechanic to fix them.
If the coolant level is not the issue, it may indicate a more severe problem, such as a faulty thermostat or a damaged radiator. In this case, it’s best to avoid driving the car and seek assistance from a professional immediately. Continuing to drive with an overheating engine can lead to significant engine damage. Regular maintenance, such as checking the coolant level and flushing the cooling system, can help prevent the engine temperature warning light from coming on in the first place.
ESP Warning Light
What does ESP mean?
It stands for Electronic Stability Program, and it illuminates when there’s a problem with the system. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a malfunctioning sensor, faulty wiring, or a damaged component.
Is it safe to drive while my ESP warning light is on?
If there are other warning lights, it may indicate a severe issue that needs to be addressed promptly. If the ESP warning light is the only one, you can continue driving but with caution. However, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional mechanic as soon as possible to prevent any potential safety hazards or damage to the vehicle.
Low Tyre Pressure Warning Light
What does this mean?
The light typically appears on the dashboard as a yellow or orange icon that resembles a tyre with an exclamation mark in the middle. When the Low Tyre Pressure Warning Light comes on, it indicates that one or more of the tyres is underinflated. Driving on underinflated tyres can be dangerous as it can cause reduced traction, poor handling, and increased stopping distance.
What should I do if my low tyre pressure warning light comes on?
If the warning light comes on, it’s crucial to check the tyre pressure as soon as possible. Using a tyre pressure gauge, check the pressure of all four tyres and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed in the vehicle’s owner manual. If a tyre is punctured or damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced. In this case, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional.
If you don’t already own one, make sure you pick up a tyre pressure guage.
Power Steering Warning Light
What does this mean?
When this light comes on, it means that the power steering system is not functioning correctly, which can make steering more difficult and potentially dangerous. The Power Steering Warning Light typically appears on the dashboard as a yellow or red icon that looks like a steering wheel with an exclamation mark.
What should I do if my power steering warning light comes on?
First, try restarting the engine to see if the light goes off. If the light persists, it could indicate a problem with the power steering pump, fluid level, or belt. It’s important not to ignore the warning light, as driving with a faulty power steering system can cause accidents. Therefore, it’s best to seek assistance.
