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How well do you know your car warning lights?

There are multiple different types of warning lights, therefore it can be difficult remembering what each one means and how serious it is.
Volvo V40 and V40 Cross Country Dashboard 800

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June 5, 2020

VEHICLES have numerous different warning lights which appear on dashboards, when sensors detect a problem within the vehicle.

There are multiple different types of warning lights, therefore it can be difficult remembering what each one means and how serious it is.

By making sure you keep educating yourself with the highway code and also your vehicle handbook, you should be able to prevent encountering serious problems and causing additional damage. 

There are lots of different sensors fitted in most modern vehicles, some help us drive better and some detect faults and problems such as tyre and brake pad wear. Sensors then illuminate on our dashboard, informing us of the problem.

Each warning light will be either red, amber/yellow or green/blue, this will signify how serve the warning is. Immediate attention is required for Red warning lights, while green/blue are just advisory. 

A recent survey conducted by LeaseCar shows what respondents believed each warning light to mean by taking a quiz, it shows the most important warnings and a description of what each means. 

1Brake system warning light

This is a really important warning as your brake fluid could be low, take it to a garage to be checking immediately. 40% of respondents got this correct!

2Battery charge warning

This light could appear due to a faulty battery, an alternator fault or a broken drive. This could indicate a serious problem, it is urgent to get the vehicle seen to. Only 4% of respondents got this incorrect! 

3Engine coolant warning light 

75% got this light correct! This light could appear if your coolant level is too high, get your car looked at if you’re unsure how to check it yourself. 

4Engine warning

If this light appears, it can indicate a serious problem and it is advised to take your vehicle to a professional to be checked. 59% of respondents got this correct!

5Anti-lock braking system warning 

If this symbol appears, you need to have the vehicle checked out as the system may be damaged and uneffective. 46% got this warning light correct!

6

Tyre pressure monitor warning 

If this symbol illuminates the sensors within your tyres have detected a puncture or low tyre pressure. You can check your tyre pressure yourself at most petrol stations. 16% of respondents mistook this for a brake warning light!

You can test your own warning light knowledge by taking the quiz here! Reading your handbook regularly can refresh your knowledge and limit your chances of causing further damage if your vehicle encounters issues. 

 

Got a spare 30 seconds?

 Help us to provide you with better market insight by completing a very short survey. It is anonymous and only takes 30 seconds. You will get free access to the quarterly results.

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Chris Wright

Chris Wright

Chris Wright has been covering the automotive industry nationally and internationally for 30 years. Following spells with consumer titles he became News Editor of Automotive Management (AM), Editor of Automotive International, International Editor for Detroit-based Automotive News, and Editor of Dealer Update. He has also co-authored several FT Management Reports and contributes regularly to Justauto.com

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