Dashboard warning lights explained
Pick the light you can see, or what the car is doing. Red usually means stop, amber means get it checked soon.
Choose a light or a symptom. You'll see what it usually means, whether it's safe to keep driving, and the quickest way to get it looked at.
General guidance only. Your car's handbook has the exact meaning for each light.
Every light and symptom, at a glance
Engine management light
Get it checked soon
A sensor has spotted a fault with the engine or the exhaust emissions. It can be anything from a loose fuel cap to a failing sensor or a misfire.
If it's steady and the car drives normally, drive gently and get it checked soon. If it's flashing, there may be a misfire: slow down and stop when it's safe.
Book diagnostics and repairsOil pressure warning
Stop when it's safe
The oil pressure has dropped. Without oil pressure, an engine can be badly damaged within minutes.
Pull over when it's safe and switch the engine off. Check the oil level once it has cooled a little. If the light stays on, don't drive on. Call us.
Book diagnostics and repairsBattery charging warning
Get it seen today
The battery isn't being charged, often because of an alternator or drive belt fault. The car is running on what's left in the battery.
Turn off what you don't need (heater fan, heated screen, radio) and drive straight to a garage. Try not to switch off, as it may not restart.
Book diagnostics and repairsBrake system warning
Stop when it's safe
First check the handbrake is fully off. If it is, the brake fluid may be low or there's a fault in the braking system.
Stop when it's safe. If the pedal feels soft or goes down further than usual, don't drive on. Call us and we'll talk you through it.
Book brakesEngine temperature warning
Stop when it's safe
The engine is overheating. The usual causes are low coolant, a leak, or a fan or thermostat fault.
Stop when it's safe and switch off. Let it cool before opening the bonnet, and never open the coolant cap while the engine is hot.
Book diagnostics and repairsABS warning
Get it checked soon
The anti-lock braking system has a fault. Your normal brakes still work, but the wheels could lock under hard braking.
Drive carefully and leave more room to stop. Get it checked soon: an ABS warning light that stays on is an MOT fail.
Book brakesTyre pressure warning
Get it checked soon
One or more tyres has lost pressure. It's often a slow puncture.
Check and top up the pressures at the next forecourt. If one keeps going down, it's probably a puncture. Bring it in and we'll find it.
Book tyres and puncturesAirbag warning
Get it checked soon
There's a fault in the airbag or seatbelt system, so the airbags might not go off in a crash.
The car is fine to drive, but get it checked soon. An airbag warning light that stays on is an MOT fail.
Book diagnostics and repairsGrinding or squealing brakes
Get it checked soon
Usually worn brake pads. Grinding often means the pads are down to the metal and the discs are being damaged.
Get them checked this week. Leave extra room to stop, and if the car pulls to one side under braking, call us first.
Book brakesClutch slipping or biting high
Get it checked soon
If the revs rise but the car doesn't speed up, or the clutch only bites right at the top of the pedal, the clutch is likely worn.
It'll usually keep going for a while, but it only gets worse. Book it in before it leaves you stuck in traffic.
Book clutch and timing beltsFlat or worn tyre
Get it seen today
The legal minimum tread in the UK is 1.6mm across the middle three-quarters of the tyre. Cuts, bulges or a flat need sorting before you drive any distance.
Fit the spare if you have one, or call us. Reviewers mention tyres changed the same morning.
Book tyres and puncturesCar won't start
Get it seen today
Clicking or slow turning usually points to the battery or starter motor. If it turns over but won't fire, it's more often fuel or ignition.
Call us and describe what it's doing. We'll tell you whether it's worth trying a jump start first.
Book diagnostics and repairsMOT due or run out
Book when it suits you
You can have an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before the current one runs out and keep the same renewal date.
Book a slot. If it has already run out, you can only drive the car to a pre-booked MOT test, so ring first.
Book MOT testing
Not sure what it is? Ring and describe it
Send a booking request, or call and talk to a person. If anything extra turns up, you get a phone call before any work is done.
Book an MOT