Picture this: you get in your car, turn on the engine, and then all of a sudden there’s a rainbow of warning lights on your dashboard. Stress overload!
While dashboard warning lights might seem like a mystery, they are vital for keeping your car running smoothly and safely.
Whether it’s a simple reminder to top up your washer fluid or a serious warning about the well-being of your car, understanding the signals can help keep you safe and save you from expensive repairs.
In this blog, we’ll discuss:
Think of dashboard warning indicators as your car communicating with you, telling you it’s unwell. A warning light is a visual aid that is designed to grab your attention and make you aware of potential issues.
Once you see a warning light, it should lead you to take action and get the issue resolved. Ignoring the warning can cause further damage to your car and make it much more dangerous to drive, and nobody wants that!
Knowing what each light means helps you understand the necessary steps to fix the issue, whether that’s pulling over immediately or scheduling a service with a garage.
Remember, if you’ve got a maintenance contract with your lease deal, all routine maintenance and servicing is included.
Dashboard warning lights usually come in four different colours: red, amber/yellow, green, and blue.
- Red - A red light indicates a critical issue with the car, such as low oil pressure or brake failure. If a red light appears, you should stop immediately.
- Amber/yellow - These warn of potential problems, such as low tyre pressure or a service reminder. Although you don’t need to pull over immediately, you should get it sorted sooner rather than later.
- Green - Green is good. If a green light appears, it means that a system, such as cruise control, is in use. No alarms need to be raised.
- Blue - This is informational rather than an actual warning and usually means that your lights are on, like the one that appears when your high beams are on.
Here’s a little explanation to some of the most common car warning lights on your dashboard you’re likely to encounter:
The first thing you should do when a car dashboard warning light comes on is to remain calm. It’s not the end of the world if one does come on. It’s actually a good thing, as your car is making you aware of an issue before it's too late.
If one does come on while you’re driving, here’s what we’d recommend:
- Pull over - If it's a red or amber light, safely pull over at the side of the road.
- Consult your owner’s manual - It will provide details about the warning light and the best course of action.
- Perform a basic check - Have a once-over of important car components, including oil levels, tyre pressure, and coolant (only if you are confident).
- Call a professional - If the issue seems serious or you are unsure, consult a mechanic or call for roadside assistance.
Prevention is better than cure, and staying on top of regular car maintenance can help you avoid the stress of unexpected warning lights.
- Stick to your servicing schedule - Regular car servicing ensures it’s in the best nick possible. It’s recommended that you service your car once a year or every 12,000 miles.
- Check fluids regularly - Monitor oil, coolant, and washer fluid levels. If they dip low, fill them up.
- Keep an eye on your tyres - Tyre health is essential to the running of your car. Regularly check tyre pressure and look out for wear and tear.
- Stay alert - Watch for early signs of trouble, such as strange noises, reduced performance, or changes in fuel efficiency.
Dashboard warning lights don’t have to be intimidating. By understanding what they mean and taking quick action, you can ensure your car runs smoothly, and you avoid costly repairs.
Looking for more car maintenance advice? We’ve produced a range of car maintenance guides, such as Replacing the Tyres on a Lease Vehicle and Average Car Maintenance Costs by Brand.
We are also one of the UK’s leading car leasing brokers, offering a range of services to suit every need. Check out our leasing deals, or explore our used car leasing and fast lease service.
