Your dashboard is the only way your car can tell you something is wrong. Most lights are a polite reminder. A few mean you should pull over as soon as it is safe. Here are the seven we never want a customer to drive around with.
1. Oil pressure
A red oil can means the engine is not getting enough oil pressure. Stop the engine straight away. Running even a few minutes without oil pressure can destroy the bearings.
2. Engine temperature
A red thermometer or a gauge in the red means the engine is overheating. Pull over, switch off and let it cool before you touch the coolant cap.
3. Brake system
A red brake light that stays on after you release the parking brake can mean low fluid or a hydraulic fault. Get it checked the same day.
4 to 7: the rest of the list
- Battery or charging light: the alternator may not be charging.
- Flashing check-engine light: a misfire that can damage the catalytic converter.
- ABS light: your normal brakes work, but the anti-lock system does not.
- Airbag light: the airbags may not deploy in a crash.
If a light is red, stop. If it is amber, book a check this week.
Not sure what you are looking at? Send us a photo of the dashboard and a mechanic will tell you how urgent it is, free of charge.
