Confused about what the lights on your dashboard mean? Fear not - here's our handy guide to the lights on your dashboard - and the important ones to watch out for!
Bulb checks and understanding what the colours mean
When you turn on the ignition you'll notice all of the dashboard lights flash up all at once and then go off again. This is completely normal, but if you notice one of the lights stays on when all the others have gone out - there could be a problem! The colour lets you know the urgency of the warning lights so you know if it's safe to drive or not.
The most important warning lights to watch out for
Brake System/Brake fluid warning
This symbol is commonly recognised for its exclamation mark. If it's on, it means there's a problem with your brake fluid system - so it's advised to get it checked right away.
ECU/Engine warning light
The engine warning light doesn't always mean the worst and can be due to a minor electrical sensory fault, but it's still worth getting your vehicle looked at if it comes on. Sometimes you may experience stuttering when you put your foot on the accelerator caused by an engine misfire; if this happens you should speak to a mechanic as leaving it could cause further and possibly irreparable damage.
Airbag warning light
If this light appears after you've switched on your ignition it means the airbag system is faulty. It potentially means your airbags won't deploy in the event of an accident, but it could also mean that your airbag is going to go off at any minute! So again, we strongly advise getting this looked at if it happens to come on in any case.
Power steering/EPAS warning light
This symbol indicates there is a problem with your power steering. It could mean you just need to top up your power steering fluid levels, but if after you have done this and your steering still feels slow and heavy - contact your local garage or dealer.
Coolant warning light
If your coolant light comes on, you need to top up your coolant levels. It helps to keep on top of this regularly - as does checking your oil and screenwash. If you let the levels run too low your engine could overheat, and again could cause irreversible damage.
Oil warning light
The oil warning light means you definitely need a top up if it's flashing away at you. If the warning light persists once you've topped up your oil, you may need get the vehicle looked at urgently and get the filter changed, as neglecting your oil can cause some serious problems with your engine.
Tyre pressure monitor warning light
If you own a newer car the likelihood is that there will be a warning light for when your tyre pressure is low. If you drive an older car it may not have this feature, which is why it's important to check your tyre pressure and tread on a regular basis, and before any long journeys. Most garages have facilities for you to put air in your tyres, so don't be afraid to check if they could do with some next time you fill up!
Battery charge warning light
This warning light could indicate your that battery is not charging, or the battery terminals are corroding and on their way out. The symbol will automatically illuminate when the engine is switched on, but if it stays lit then you should think about getting the battery looked at or replaced.