Motorists can rightly feel stress and anxiety whenever a warning light shows up on their vehicle’s dashboard while driving.
Additionally, drivers may not be knowledgable on all of the possible symbols.
LeaseElectricCar.co.uk has analysed the top ten warning lights people in the UK have looked on search engines for in order to try to understand and solve the problem before taking it to a garage.
A spokesperson for LeaseElectricCar.co.uk said: “It can cause a great deal of worry when a warning light comes on while you or driving but while it can interrupt your journey, they are necessary and are helping the motorist by giving advance warning of a problem.
“It can help to diagnose the problem more easily in the event of poor performance of a vehicle or even when a breakdown so that you can get the relevant assistance to get back on the road. It is therefore useful to know what some of the most common searched for warning lights mean.”
This is the battery warning light. It is normal for it come on wen you just turn on the car but if it stays on while you are driving, that means a fault as been detected in the charging system and your car will die soon. Find somewhere to park and check your battery. pic.twitter.com/6S0g5OM8EH
— Chichi (@Chichi_Arinze) September 21, 2020
Here are the most common car warning symbols that may pop up on your dashboard.
The 10 most common car dashboard warning symbols?
Battery warning light
An illuminated battery light could be due to a number of issues, including: a loose or corroded battery cable, problem with the alternator or voltage regulator, damaged cells or plates inside the battery.
Brake warning light
Brake system warning light
— Baldoyle Auto Centre (@baldoyleauto) October 29, 2020
This brake system warning light requires urgent attention. It may be that you've left the handbrake engaged slightly while pulling away, so ensure it's fully released. pic.twitter.com/YYBCsvah4z
When this light comes on, it means one of two things. Either the hydraulic fluid (brake fluid) in the master cylinder is low, or the parking brake is engaged. If the system springs a leak, the fluid level will drop. A leak can cause your brakes to fail.
Engine oil warning light
Know your #warning lights: #Oil Pressure Light comes on when there is a drop in engine oil pressure. If it comes on & stays on GET #HELP! pic.twitter.com/XfxP2AH08B
— NewCarConcepts (@NewConcepts) January 19, 2017
If the oil light comes on while you are driving, get to a safe place and turn the engine off immediately. It is important to stop driving your vehicle because you may have run out of oil.
Engine temperature warning light
Engine Temperature Warning Light
— NEXA Sikar (@NexaSikar) July 23, 2018
This is a symbol that pops up on your car's dashboard that means the engine is too hot. Take your car to the nearest authorized service center for a checkup.#NEXASikar #DashboardSymbols pic.twitter.com/qFdFhtbblp
When the coolant temperature warning light goes on, the engine is seriously overheated, which can be caused by overheating, lack of cooling water or a cooling system that is having trouble.
Engine management light
The dreaded engine management light is something we all fear…
— Traffic Wales South #KeepWalesSafe (@TrafficWalesS) January 13, 2022
If it appears or starts flashing, you shouldn’t panic, but do take your vehicle to the garage as soon as possible so the fault can be identified & fixed🔧 pic.twitter.com/hAVpW5W6K9
The light is connected to your car's engine control unit (ECU), and is the first indicator of issues with the engine's electronic network and indicates there could be a problem if the light stays on when you turn the ignition.
Brakepad warning light
An image of the Brakepad warning light can be seen on the Volkswagen website.
The brake pads are getting low. Without any pad material, the brakes won't stop the car as quickly so waiting too long is dangerous and increases the risks of getting into a collision.
Low pressure tyre warning light
Indicates low pressure in the tyres. If the pressure is extremely low, it does become dangerous to drive, especially at high speeds.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light
ABS Warning Light
— mechanic (@mechani89556827) April 28, 2021
This is often overlooked or misunderstood to mean the system is functioning.
The ABS light should go off, a few moments after the car is started when the car's self-test is concluded.
PAn anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system pic.twitter.com/LEMDIEFjXx
The ABS on a vehicle prevents the wheels from locking up when a driver slams on the brake pedal in an emergency situation or on a wet or slippery surface and when it is lit, this indicates a problem that needs looking at.
Airbag warning light
Airbag Warning Light On & ... - https://t.co/Gl2gMuD1Ni#iphone #iphone6s #iphone6 #iphoneSE #iPhone6c #iphone7 pic.twitter.com/1nvLRlp8Lt
— Iphone Tutes (@IphoneTutes) October 29, 2016
There may be an issue with a crash sensor, SRS module, or other airbag component. This is important to get checked out as quickly as possible.
Power steering warning light
#DidYouKnow this dashboard symbol is for Power Steering Warning Light which lets you know when there is an issue with the power steering system, and will be disabled until fixed ! pic.twitter.com/olOKzqKXB2
— droom (@letsdroom) June 8, 2018
In hydraulic power steering systems, a leak in the system causing a low fluid level is the most common cause for this problem. The cause may vary according to the type of power steering system in your car.
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