The Most Common Warning Lights on Your Dashboard and What They Mean
The Most Common Warning Lights on Your Dashboard and What They Mean
Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated dashboard warning lights to alert drivers of potential problems. However, many people are unsure what each warning light means, whether it’s safe to drive, or if they need immediate repairs.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we specialise in diagnostic scans and vehicle repairs, helping customers understand and fix any issues flagged by their dashboard. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common warning lights, what they mean, and what you should do when they appear.
🚨 Ignoring a warning light can lead to costly repairs or breakdowns—know the signs before it’s too late!
1. Engine Management Light (Check Engine Light) – 🚗💡
What does it mean?
The engine warning light (usually a yellow or orange icon shaped like an engine) is one of the most common and misunderstood alerts.
🔍 Possible Causes:
✔️ Faulty sensor (e.g., oxygen sensor, mass airflow sensor)
✔️ Fuel or emissions system issue
✔️ Misfiring spark plugs or ignition problems
✔️ Low oil pressure or overheating (serious cases)
🛠 What should you do?
✔️ If the light is flashing, stop driving immediately—this indicates a severe misfire that could damage the engine.
✔️ If it’s steady but the car drives normally, book a diagnostic scan to check for stored fault codes.
📌 Andrews Car Centre can run a full diagnostic test to pinpoint the exact problem.
2. Oil Pressure Warning Light – 🛢️⚠️
What does it mean?
This red oil can symbol means your engine isn’t getting enough oil pressure, which can lead to engine failure if ignored.
🔍 Possible Causes:
✔️ Low engine oil levels
✔️ Oil pump failure
✔️ Blocked oil filter or pickup
🛠 What should you do?
✔️ Pull over and check your oil level immediately.
✔️ If the light stays on after topping up oil, do NOT drive the car—seek immediate repair.
🚨 Driving with low oil pressure can destroy your engine!
3. Battery Warning Light – 🔋⚠️
What does it mean?
This red battery symbol doesn’t mean your battery is dead—it means your charging system isn’t working.
🔍 Possible Causes:
✔️ Failing alternator
✔️ Loose or corroded battery terminals
✔️ Faulty wiring
🛠 What should you do?
✔️ If the light comes on while driving, avoid using electrical components (radio, heater, lights) to preserve battery power.
✔️ Get your battery and alternator checked ASAP to avoid a breakdown.
📌 At Andrews Car Centre, we offer battery health checks and replacements to keep you on the road.
4. Brake Warning Light – 🚨⚠️
What does it mean?
A red exclamation mark inside a circle or a brake symbol means something is wrong with your brake system.
🔍 Possible Causes:
✔️ Low brake fluid
✔️ Worn brake pads
✔️ ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) malfunction
🛠 What should you do?
✔️ Check your brake fluid level—if it’s low, top it up.
✔️ If the light stays on, get your brakes inspected immediately—driving with faulty brakes is extremely dangerous!
🚨 Brake failure can lead to accidents—book a brake check at Andrews Car Centre today!
5. Tyre Pressure Warning Light – ⚠️🚗
What does it mean?
This symbol (a flat tyre with an exclamation mark) means one or more of your tyres is underinflated.
🔍 Possible Causes:
✔️ Low tyre pressure
✔️ Slow puncture or leak
✔️ Faulty TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) sensor
🛠 What should you do?
✔️ Check your tyre pressures and inflate to the correct levels.
✔️ Inspect for visible punctures—if unsure, visit a garage for a tyre check.
📌 We offer tyre pressure checks and puncture repairs to keep your tyres roadworthy.
6. Coolant Temperature Warning – 🌡️🚗
What does it mean?
A red thermometer symbol means your engine is overheating.
🔍 Possible Causes:
✔️ Low coolant level
✔️ Faulty thermostat or radiator
✔️ Water pump failure
🛠 What should you do?
✔️ Turn off the engine immediately—driving while overheating can cause major engine damage.
✔️ Let the engine cool before checking coolant levels (never open the radiator cap when hot!).
🚨 An overheating engine can lead to a blown head gasket—get it checked ASAP!
7. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning Light – 🚛💨
What does it mean?
This symbol (a box with dots inside) appears on diesel vehicles and means the DPF is clogged.
🔍 Possible Causes:
✔️ Too many short trips (not allowing DPF regeneration)
✔️ Blocked filter due to excessive soot buildup
🛠 What should you do?
✔️ Drive at motorway speeds (over 40mph for 15–20 minutes) to trigger the DPF regeneration cycle.
✔️ If the light stays on, get a DPF clean to prevent expensive damage.
📌 We offer professional DPF cleaning to restore performance and prevent blockages.
8. Airbag Warning Light – 🎈⚠️
What does it mean?
This red symbol means there is a fault in your airbag system, which could prevent deployment in a crash.
🔍 Possible Causes:
✔️ Faulty airbag sensor
✔️ Disconnected wiring after seat removal
✔️ Previous accident affecting deployment system
🛠 What should you do?
✔️ Book a diagnostic scan ASAP—your airbags may not deploy in an accident!
🚨 Driving with an airbag fault puts your safety at risk.
Why Choose Andrews Car Centre for Diagnostics & Repairs?
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we specialise in diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance for all makes and models.
✔️ Advanced Diagnostic Scans – We pinpoint warning light issues quickly.
✔️ Expert Technicians – Skilled in electrical and mechanical repairs.
✔️ Affordable Pricing – No hidden fees, just honest service.
✔️ Same-Day Appointments Available – Get your car checked before issues worsen.
🚗 Don’t ignore warning lights—book a diagnostic check today!
Book Your Diagnostic Scan at Andrews Car Centre Today!
📞 Call us now or book online for expert diagnostics in Lincoln.
🚗🔧 Andrews Car Centre – Lincoln’s Trusted Garage for Car Diagnostics & Repairs.