Warning Lights on your Dashboard

Colour of warning lights

Many of the warning lights which can appear on a dashboard are specific to the make and model of the car, so it’s important to consult the vehicle handbook for a detailed explanation of what the different lights mean. When it comes to the different colours of the car, it’s imperative to follow these instructions:

• Red warning lights mean you should stop the car as soon as it’s safe.
• Yellow warning lights mean that action is required.
• Green warning lights are for information only.

General dashboard warning lights

Several of the most common dashboard warning lights include:

Oil pressure warning light

If this light stays on after the car has started or during a journey, you must:

1. Stop the car immediately
2. Switch off the engine
3. Check the oil level and top this up if this is low

If this icon lights up even though the oil level is as it should be, you must contact a professional immediately and refrain from starting the engine until they arrive.

Brake system/brake fluid warning light

If this icon appears on the dashboard, you must contact a professional immediately who can identify and rectify the problem.

Engine warning light

This warning light may appear for a number of reasons, from a faulty electrical sensor to a large mechanical issue. As such, if you notice this icon on your dashboard, you must get a professional to check over your vehicle immediately before the problem escalates.

Windscreen Lights

Whilst it may seem obvious that visibility is key when driving, many often overlook the importance of keeping their windscreens and wipers clean and fully functional. Here are a selection of windscreen lights and their meanings:

Windscreen wash / wipe

This icon appears when the windscreen washer fluid bottle is empty. This symbol can also be found on top or underneath the windscreen washer fluid reservoir cap – refer to your vehicle handbook if you are unsure where this is under the bonnet.

Rear windscreen washer fluid is low

This symbolises low windscreen washer fluid on the rear window washers. If this appears, make sure you fill the windscreen washer fluid as soon as possible – refer to your vehicle handbook if you are unsure where this is.

Front windscreen washer fluid level is low

This indicates that the windscreen washer fluid for the front window washers is low. If this appears on your dashboard, remember to fill the windscreen washer fluid bottle as soon as possible – refer to your vehicle handbook if you are unsure where this is.

Windscreen heater defrost

This means that the car’s front windscreen heater is on. Remember to switch it off once you can see clearly out the windscreen as you don’t want it to steam up.

Auto windscreen wiping

This light indicates that the windscreen wipers have turned themselves on for added comfort and convenience.

Rear window defrost

This means that the car’s rear windscreen heater is on. Remember to switch it off once you can see clearly out the back windscreen to avoid it steaming up.