FAQ

What should I do if any warning light on the dashboard lights up?

Get it checked as soon as possible. Phone us or call in for free advice. Click here for full details of warning light meanings.

The dashboard, and particularly the instrument panel, gives you an an up to date status of the car to provide prior notice on potential mechanical problems. The dashboard items have followed the same evolution trend as the car, migrating from standard light bulbs to more attractive and efficient LEDs or completely-digitalized dashboard components.

Take for example BMW's head-up display (HUD), a special technology developed by the German company which projects important information such as speed, fuel consumption or the tachometer straight on the windshield. Getting back to the instrument clusters, their number increased significantly once the car manufacturers developed new technologies regarding safety, engine management or miscellaneous car-related equipment. But more importantly, these tiny lights tracking the operation of the car can provide critical information that could protect you, your passengers and the other drivers on the road.

The number of instrument clusters is huge, mostly due to the fact that most car manufacturers used basic symbols and personalized them for their own models although we all agree that standard ones would be useful for all drivers, no matter the car they own. That's why we've decided to create a list of the most common instrument panel lights used by different car makers around the world, although it could be easily expanded to hundreds.

	ABS warning light – it is turned on every time there's something wrong with the Anti-lock Brake System. Note that the ABS symbol is activated once the drive starts the engine but it's automatically turned off after a few seconds. Low fuel notification – this panel is switched on if the fuel level gets very low and refuel is required. Seat belt reminder – the symbol appears and remains active as long as the engine is started and the seat belt remains unfastened; depending on the car manufacturer and car model, the seat belt reminder is combined with an audio notification. Electrical problem warning – this light warns you that there's a problem with the electrical system of the car.
	Brake system alert – the notification is powered on if the ECU detects a problem to the brake system Warning light – it signals an unidentified problem with your car; it usually requires the car to be serviced. Child seat indicator – if turned on, it informs you that the standardized child safety seat is attached Tire pressure monitor – the warning is turned on in case of low tire pressure which could raise the fuel consumption or affect the grip.
	Air filter – usually installed on the center console but also found on the dashboard, this light informs the driver that a malfunction was detected at the passenger compartment air filter Front airbag – the light monitors the front airbag and, in case it is turned on, signals a problem with it; it usually requires professional assistance. Side airbag – same as the front airbag but intended for the side airbag Child seat – this symbol informs the driver that there may be a problem with the rear-mounted child seat; similar to number 7 but used by different manufacturers
	Fog beams indicator – it is activated and remains on once the driver turns on the fog beams Windshield wash – the notification appears once the windshield wipers are activated Master lighting switch - an indication that one or more of your brake light bulbs are out. Rear window defrost – pretty self-explanatory, it is turned on once the driver presses the rear window defrosting button
	Child seat warning – similar to the other child seat notifications, it warns the driver that the child seat may be wrongly installed Brake fluid malfunction – rarely installed on the dashboard, it unveils a problem in the brake fluid recipient Battery warning – if this light is turned on while driving, it reveals a malfunction concerning the battery charging system Child safety lock – if lighted on, the symbol shows you that the child safety lock has been activated
	Emergency indicator – the notification is activated once the driver pushes the emergency button Cruise control – this light is turned on if the cruise control system is activated; note that it may differ by brand and car model. Windshield defrost – similar to rear window defrost but especially intended for windshield Powertrain malfunction – if on, this light shows that the powertrain has been damaged and the car needs to be serviced as soon as possible.
	Slip indicator – mostly installed on luxury cars, the slip indicator unveils that the car may lose grip due to difficult driving conditions Open doors indicator – this symbol is usually turned on just after the driver starts the engine and informs him that one or more doors are closed incorrectly Anti-theft system – exclusively installed on Ford models, this symbol flashes once the Securilock Anti-theft technology has been enabled Electronic Throttle Control light – briefly enabled when the driver starts the engine, the indicator shows a malfunction in the Electronic Throttle Control system
	AWD – with a pretty suggestive name, this panel is lighted on once the all-wheel drive system is enabled ESP/BAS light – similar to the ABS indicator, but especially installed to inform the driver about a potential problem with the Electronic Stability Program technology Overdrive indicator – it shows the driver that the overdrive system has been turned off Turn signals – surely the most known instrument panels, the turn signals are activated once the driver changes direction and uses the signal lever
	Temperature warning light – it warns the driver of the possibility of engine overheating and usually demands the driver to stop the vehicle OBD Indicator – member of the Onboard Diagnostics, this indicators reveals a problem to the engine or to the gas emissions and required the car to be serviced. High beam light – it is turned on once the driver activates the high beam mode of the headlights Oil pressure warning – this notification is turned on if the ECU detects a problem with the oil pressure; the driver is usually recommended to stop the vehicle and service it as soon as possible.

What should I do if the temperature gauge rises rapidly, or temperature warning light comes on?

Stop as soon as possible and call us for advice. Only attempt to check the water level when the engine has cooled down. Do not continue your journey as extensive engine damage may occur, which could be very costly.

If I hear an unusual noise, what should I do?

Seek advice as soon as you can, it might just be a first indication of an up and coming problem.

Why is my car is pulling to one side?

This could be a number of things; steering issue, tyre or tracking problems, or even a broken spring (these are more frequent occurrences since the introduction of the road calming measures). Call us and we will be pleased to check and road test your car and advise you totally free of charge. You should get this checked out as soon as possible.

Is there anything I can check for myself?

It is good practice weekly to check all your lights are in working correctly, that your tyres are in good order and correctly inflated, particularly during the winter. Also check your screen wash, radiator, brake fluid and oil levels, if you are unsure as to which is which, get advice from us or your local garage as putting incorrect fluids in wrong reservoirs can cause irreparable damage. We offer a free health check cover these aspects, simply call us or pop in anytime.

How soon can I have my MOT tested before it's due?

The test can be carried out up to 30 days before the expiry date of your previous certificate. If your car passes the test the extra time will be post dated on your new certificate.

How can I pay for my car repairs?

We take all the major credit cards (except American Express) and cash. Cheques are by arrangement only.