Dashboard Symbol Explainer

Modern cars have a host of clever technologies to keep you safe, provide comfort and maintain your car’s mechanics. One such advancement is the humble dashboard warning light. But do you know what each one means? Here we’ll be looking at what each warning light means and how you can solve the problem that it is alerting you to.

	Airbag Warning Light This light illuminating means that your airbags need to be inspected. It is rare, but if you have deactivated the airbag in the front passenger seat, the light illuminating could mean the bag hasn’t reactivated properly. If the issue is more serious, the car could be telling you that the airbag might fail to deploy in a crash. This means that a serious check needs to be carried out as soon as possible. If you restart the car and the light doesn’t go out, seek professional assistance
	Battery Warning Light The battery warning light typically illuminates when starting your car and then goes out. If it remains on, or illuminates while driving, it could be telling you there is a fault with: the alternator, battery, bad connections, damaged cables or corroded terminals. Alternator problems in particular can cause further problems with steering and the coolant pump, so do not ignore the battery warning light.
	Brake System/Fluid Warning Light Arguably the most important warning light because it is connected to the car’s most important safety feature – the brakes. If it illuminates and remains on, have the brakes assessed by a professional and get them fixed as soon as possible.
	Coolant Warning Light The coolant warning light is a simple warning to top up your coolant fluid. Once it comes on the dashboard, stop the car and check the coolant tank under the bonnet, filling it as required. Without coolant, your engine will seize solid and be irreparable.
	Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning Light Diesel powered cars are fitted with particulate filters which do the job of removing large quantities of soot and particulates from exhaust gases. You could be breaking the law with regards to particulates emissions if this isn’t fixed. Blocked DPFs are also costly to replace, so the earlier yours is checked over the better.
	ECU/ Engine Warning Light The engine warning light can indicate anything from a faulty electrical sensor to a serious mechanical issue. Sometimes, this light comes on when the car puts itself into ‘safe mode’ or ‘limp home mode’. In this instance, you’ll notice the car’s sudden lack of power. This is normal and is a way of protecting the engine from further damage while allowing you to drive home or to a reputable garage.
	Oil Warning Light Low oil levels, low oil pressure or high oil pressure causes the oil warning light to come on. Similar to the coolant warning light, the oil warning light is usually put right by stopping the car and topping up the engine oil. However, if you find the engine oil doesn’t need topping up, the car needs checking over by a professional. Engine oil keeps your engine running smooth and cool, so pay attention to your oil level as part of a regular levels check.
	Power Steering Warning Light If the power steering system fails, the wheel will become heavy and require far more effort to turn. This is a nuisance when driving slow, but is a real safety risk at high speeds. Get the system checked.
	Tyre Pressure Warning Light Vehicles with tyre pressure sensors may show the tyre pressure warning light occasionally. This indicates a puncture or other loss of tyre pressure. The warning prevents you from driving on the rims which will damage them and your tyre. Go to a fuel station to refill with air using a digital pump, that way you can easily refill the tyres with air and check they are filled to the correct tyre pressure.

If you need assistance with warning lights that have illuminated in your vehicle, do not hesitate to contact the experts at Mr Tyre – the tyre and autocentre specialists. Our professional and friendly staff will have you back on the road in no time. To avoid warning lights all together, make sure to have regular servicing for your vehicle from an experienced technician. We have over 48 years of experience. So, for the best auto services in Coventry, Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, Mansfield, Newcastle, Nottingham, Worksop and more, call Mr Tyre today.