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Car Dashboard Warning Lights — What They Mean and What to Do

7 April 20265 min read

A warning light on your dashboard can be anything from a gentle reminder to a serious safety alert. Knowing the difference could save you a breakdown — or a much bigger repair bill.

Red Warning Lights — Stop and Check

Red lights are urgent. If one appears while you're driving, pull over safely as soon as you can.

  • Engine oil pressure — Low oil level or pump failure. Driving with this on can destroy your engine. Stop immediately and check your oil level.
  • Engine temperature — Your engine is overheating. Stop driving, let it cool down, and check your coolant level.
  • Brake system — Could mean your handbrake is on, brake fluid is low, or there's a fault with the braking system. Check immediately.
  • Battery / charging — Your alternator may have failed. The car will run on battery power until it dies — get to a garage quickly.

    • Amber Warning Lights — Attention Needed

    Amber lights mean something needs checking, but it's usually safe to drive for a short while.

  • Engine management light — The most common one. Could be anything from a faulty sensor to a misfire. Get a diagnostic scan to find out.
  • ABS warning — Your anti-lock braking system has a fault. Normal brakes still work, but ABS won't activate in an emergency.
  • Tyre pressure — One or more tyres may be low on pressure. Check and inflate to the correct level.
  • DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) — Your DPF is getting clogged. Try a sustained motorway run, or get it checked.

    • When to Get a Diagnostic Check

    If a warning light stays on after you've checked the basics, bring your car in for a professional diagnostic scan. At Woodseer Autos, we use professional-grade OBD-II equipment to read fault codes and identify the actual cause — not just guess.

    Call us on 020 7537 2447 or WhatsApp us a photo of the warning light and we'll advise.

    Written & reviewed by

    Woodseer Autos Workshop Team

    DVSA-authorised MOT testers & mechanics

    The Woodseer Autos workshop team are DVSA-authorised MOT testers and qualified mechanics with hands-on experience across all MOT classes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7). Articles are written and reviewed by the same technicians who carry out the work in our East London workshop.

    • DVSA-authorised MOT Testing Station — VTS V106376
    • MOT classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7
    • Independent garage operating from 14 Copenhagen Place, London E14 7DF

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