How well do you know your dashboard lights?

What does this mean?

• This light may indicate that the brake fluid level is low.
• If the ABS warning light is also illuminated the braking system may have malfunctioned and your brakes are not working properly.

Can I still drive?

• The brakes are one of the most important safety features, so act immediately.
• Pull over and stop when it’s safe to do so – keep your speed low and avoid braking suddenly.

What does this mean?

• The engine is not working properly; you may also notice a lack of power or stuttering.
• This light could indicate minor issues like a broken electrical sensor or a more serious mechanical issue.

Can I still drive?

• Get it checked as soon as you can, as continuing to drive can pose a further risk of potentially irreparable damage to your engine.

What does this mean?

• The airbag safety system is not working correctly. This could be the airbag system itself, the front passenger occupant classification system, or the seat belt pre-tensioner system.

Can I still drive?

• Get it checked immediately.
• If the airbag system is not working correctly, it may not go off in a crash – or in some cases, may deploy unexpectedly.

What does this mean?

• For electrically powered systems, it can be as simple to fix as rebooting a computer.
• Find a safe place to stop, then try turning your vehicle off and on again.
• If the light stays on you should take your vehicle to get checked as soon as possible.

Can I still drive?

• If the power steering system fails, you will notice it is significantly harder to manoeuvre and you should take extra care – get it checked as soon as possible.

What does this mean?

• This light will come on when the engine is overheating. This could mean that coolant levels are running low, possibly due to a leak in the system, or it could be a sign of a larger problem, like a head gasket failure.

Can I still drive?

• Stop immediately and turn off the engine. Look for any oil leaks, check the levels and top up if necessary.
• If the levels are fine, then the pump may be faulty. In this case call for recovery, to avoid potential engine damage.

What does this mean?

• The temperature is either too hot or the level or pressure is too low – This could lead to expensive or even irreparable engine damage.

Can I still drive?

• If red, stop immediately – overheating engines can suffer irreparable damage.
• Check the coolant level and top up if required. If the light remains on, get your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

What does this mean?

• ABS is an important safety feature that uses electronics to detect and prevent wheel lock-up allowing the vehicle to maintain control when braking in low-grip situations such as icy roads.

Can I still drive?

• If this light is on by itself, you should still have normal braking – but keep your distance, take extra care, and get it checked as soon as possible.
• If the brake warning light is also on, this could indicate that the brake system has failed.

What does this mean?

• Also called Electronic Stability Control (ESC), this warning light indicates a problem with the traction control system.
• If flashing this means the system is intervening – for example, if you’re driving on a slippery road.

Can I still drive?

• If the light has the word ‘OFF’ – The system has been deactivated – you may have accidentally turned it off.
• Stop and restart the vehicle. If the light remains on, get it checked.

What does this mean?

• Modern vehicles are fitted with tyre pressure monitoring systems that alert you when the pressure falls below a set value.

Can I still drive?

• Take extra care and top up with air at the next opportunity, and check the tyre for any damage.
• Reduce your speed and try to avoid braking suddenly or making any violent steering manoeuvres.

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