Warning lights on the dashboard should not be ignored. We understand that they're a warning sign that things may deteriorate and cost an arm and a leg to fix, but it's far preferable to be stuck and facing an even higher repair expense.
It's also possible that you've been skipping your routine maintenance intervals or that you've simply been unlucky.
As soon as you see a warning signal on your dashboard, search online for a repair garage near me and schedule an appointment with a mechanic. This might be a simple repair issue, but if neglected, it could become a serious one.
So, if you're still not sure that you should get your check engine light checked, we'll give you a few of reasons.
When your dashboard flashes with a light you haven't seen before while driving, it might be unsettling. You won't always be able to pull over right away, and you won't always be near a garage.
Before your next MOT testing service is due, book your car in with your local mechanic to diagnose and repair as an illuminated dashboard light could result in a MOT test to fail.
So, how can you know which lights you should not stay away from? We've put up a list of the warning lights on your dashboard that you can't afford to ignore:
1. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) or brake fluid warning lights
If your anti-lock brake system (ABS) or brake fluid warning lights illuminate, your brakes are faulty. This might be due to worn brake pads, a damaged sensor, or in the case of the ABS light, a malfunctioning system that prevents your wheels from locking, causing your car to slide across the road when you try to brake. Brakes that operate properly are critical for vehicle safety, so don't take chances when there's a problem. As soon as the light shows, carefully stop your vehicle and contact a professional.
2. The engine control unit (ECU) light
Unlike other warning lights, the engine warning light does not indicate a specific defect. Instead, it merely informs you that there is a problem with the engine. To indicate the severity of a failure, most ECU light systems employ amber and red coding. If the light is amber, it typically implies there is a problem with the exhaust emissions. You should be able to drive safely home, but make sure to schedule an appointment with a technician as soon as possible. Amber lighting with extra lines indicates that you should go slowly to the next garage, however red lights indicate a major problem, in which case you should immediately stop the vehicle and contact a breakdown service.
3. Diesel particulate filter warning light
Soot can build up in the exhaust system of diesel vehicles, clogging the particulate filter. Vehicles will be equipped with a built-in 'regenerator,' which will burn the soot and eliminate the build-up, but only at specific speeds. If you don't clean the soot out of your exhaust, it will limit airflow and affect the performance of your car. If your dashboard displays the diesel particulate filter warning light, continue driving carefully and find the nearest fast road. Drive for ten minutes at 40 mph or higher (on acceptable road types) to activate the regeneration system.
4. Airbag warning light
If there's an issue with your airbag system or potentially your seatbelt mechanism, your airbag warning light will illuminate. This typically indicates that your airbag needs to be reset or that a problem with the battery or wiring in the airbag system exists. Pullover safely or drive gently to a garage if one is close as soon as you see the light turn on. If you drive with the airbag warning light on, your airbags will not deploy for you or your passenger, which might be fatal, therefore it's not a good idea to drive with it on.
5. Battery warning light
When you switch on your car, the battery warning light will illuminate. It signifies there's a problem with the charging system if it stays on when the engine is running and you're driving about. Problems with your vehicle's battery can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a loose wire, but they can cause you to lose power and come to a halt while driving. It might also imply that your car overheats or that your power steering system fails, both of which are quite dangerous.
6. Oil pressure warning
When the oil pressure indicator illuminates, it might signal anything from a lack of oil to a problem with the vehicle's engine. Driving with an oil leak may wreak havoc on your car's engine and potentially cause it to fail. If the light turns on while you're driving, pull over as quickly as possible, stop the car, and call a technician.
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