You should never ignore warning lights on your dashboard — while some may allow you to drive short distances to seek help, others require you to stop immediately and call for professional assistance
Warning lights on a car’s dashboard are designed to draw your attention to any issues that could affect your safety or damage your vehicle. Ignoring these signals can lead to breakdowns, costly repairs, or even accidents.
Every UK driver should be familiar with the following warning lights — so here’s a complete breakdown of everything you need to know, plus advice on when you should call a mechanic.
Oil warning light
The oil warning light, often depicted as an oil can, indicates low oil pressure or level. Continuing to drive with this light on can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Pull over as soon as it is safe and check your oil level, then top up if necessary. If the light remains on after topping up, or if you hear engine noises, do not drive further — call a mechanic immediately.
READ MORE: Top 30 warning lights clueless British drivers ignore on their dashboard
Tyre pressure warning light
A yellow symbol resembling a flat tyre with an exclamation mark indicates low tyre pressure. This can result from a slow leak, puncture, or natural air loss. Stop as soon as it is safe, check and adjust your tyre pressures according to your car’s manual, and inspect for visible damage.
Driving with low tyre pressure is unsafe and can lead to blowouts or loss of control. If the warning persists after topping up, have the tyres inspected by a professional.
Airbag warning light
The airbag warning light, usually a person with a circle in front, signals a fault in the airbag system. This may mean the airbags won’t deploy in a crash, or could deploy unexpectedly.
Do not ignore this warning — book a mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and fix the issue. Driving with a faulty airbag system poses a significant safety risk.
Brake warning light
The brake warning light, typically a red or orange circle with an exclamation mark or the word “BRAKE”, signals a potential problem in your braking system. If this light comes on and stays solid, first check that your handbrake is fully released. If the light persists, it could indicate low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or a more serious fault.
If the light flashes or you notice reduced braking performance, pull over safely and call for assistance immediately, as your brakes may be failing. Even if the brakes feel normal, persistent illumination means you should drive to a repair centre for diagnosis as soon as possible.
ABS warning light
The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warning light, usually a yellow circle with the letters “ABS” inside, indicates a fault in the anti-lock braking system. While your standard brakes may still function, ABS is crucial for maintaining control during emergency stops and on slippery roads.
If the ABS light appears alone, drive cautiously and get the system checked as soon as possible. If it appears alongside the brake warning light, stop immediately and call for recovery, as this could mean a complete brake system failure. Never attempt to fix ABS issues yourself unless you are qualified, as professional diagnostics are essential.
Engine warning light
The engine warning light, often an amber or orange symbol of an engine’s silhouette or the words “CHECK ENGINE”, may signal anything from a minor sensor issue to a serious engine fault.
If the light comes on and stays steady, you can usually continue driving, but should book a mechanic as soon as possible to avoid further damage. If the light flashes, or you notice unusual noises, reduced performance, or smoke, pull over and seek immediate professional help. Continuing to drive could cause severe engine damage or breakdown.
Battery warning light
A red battery symbol means your car’s battery is not being charged by the alternator and is running solely on its own power. This can quickly lead to a loss of power steering, lights, and even complete breakdown.
Turn off all unnecessary electrical devices and, if you’re not close to a garage, stop somewhere safe and call for recovery. If you are near a garage, you may be able to drive there, but be aware that once you switch off the engine, it may not restart.
Never ignore any of these these dashboard lights. While some may allow you to drive short distances to seek help, others require you to stop immediately and call for professional assistance. Prompt action protects the safety of all road users, as well as your vehicle.