With technology becoming ever more present inside vehicles these days, many manufacturers warning lights vary considerably. Some dashboard lights and panels can be very helpful, providing a clear symbol and possibly an LCD text display indicating the problem. Please note, when starting a vehicle, it’s common that warning lights appear on the dashboard for a few moments. If they stay present several minutes after starting up the engine, then it’s best to check what they mean to ensure your safety.
What to do when your warning light comes on
If you are ever unsure about what to do when a light appears, the best thing is to stop the car somewhere safe and then consult your manufacturer’s handbook – usually found in the glove compartment or underneath the steering column. You should find a section in the handbook dedicated to the dashboard, usually with a diagram and keys to indicate each light on the display panel. If you have misplaced your handbook then a very general rule of thumb is that a red warning light spells danger. Try and figure out what the symbol means and then place a call to your breakdown specialists or local garage. They should be able to give a better diagnosis over the phone. Simply explain the make, model, year and type of warning light present.
MOT test and warning lights
Since January 2012, the MOT test now checks to see if the following warning lights (if fitted) are functioning correctly:
- Electronic stability control
- Electronic parking brake
- Electronic power steering
- Brake fluid level
- Air bag
- Headlight main beam
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Seat belt pre-tensioner
Need some help with warning lights?
If you find any warning lights on your dashboard and are unsure what to do, feel free to give us a call and we’ll happily advise. It’s sensible not to ignore a warning light, however trivial it may seem.