Most drivers have experienced that moment when an unfamiliar warning light suddenly appears on the dashboard. It can be tempting to carry on driving and hope it disappears, particularly if your vehicle still seems to be running normally.
However, recent research commissioned by Halfords suggests that ignoring dashboard warnings is more common than you might think. A survey of 2,000 drivers found that one in four motorists drive with an urgent warning light illuminated, while 28% admitted they lack an understanding of dashboard warnings.
The research also found that 55% of drivers reported breaking down after delaying vehicle maintenance.
At Birway, our advice is straightforward: if a warning light appears and you’re unsure what it means, get it checked. You don’t need to understand all the technical terminology – that’s what we’re here for.
What is your vehicle trying to tell you?
Modern vehicles continually monitor many of their key systems. When something isn’t operating as expected, a dashboard warning light can provide an early indication that attention is required.
Depending on the vehicle, this could relate to the engine management system, brakes, oil pressure, battery and charging system, coolant temperature, tyre pressures, airbags, ABS or, on diesel vehicles, the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
Some warnings simply indicate that something should be checked soon, while others can indicate a potentially serious problem requiring immediate attention.
As a general guide, red warning lights usually require urgent attention, while amber or yellow lights commonly indicate a fault that should be investigated as soon as practical. However, warning symbols and their meanings vary between manufacturers, so your vehicle handbook should always be consulted.
Don’t wait for a small problem to become a bigger one
One of the important findings from the Halfords research was how frequently drivers delay getting professional help.
Cost and inconvenience were among the reasons given for putting repairs off, yet delaying a relatively minor problem can sometimes result in a much larger repair bill later.
A warning light doesn’t necessarily mean that an expensive repair is required. Sometimes the problem can be relatively straightforward. The important thing is finding out what has caused the warning rather than continuing to drive and hoping it goes away.
For example, an engine management light can be triggered by a wide range of issues involving sensors, emissions systems, ignition or other engine components. Similarly, a DPF warning could indicate that the filter needs an opportunity to regenerate, but repeatedly ignoring the warning can potentially lead to a more seriously blocked filter and additional problems.
Getting the vehicle checked early gives us the opportunity to diagnose what’s happening before the fault has the chance to develop further.
You don’t need to understand the jargon
The Halfords research also highlighted just how confusing modern motoring terminology can be. Some 84% of respondents were unsure what DPF meant, while 77% were stumped by ECU.
That’s understandable. Modern vehicles are increasingly sophisticated and there’s no reason a driver should be expected to understand every component, sensor or electronic system. If a warning appears on your dashboard, you don’t need to diagnose the problem yourself.
Our experienced team can carry out vehicle diagnostics to help identify the reason the warning light has appeared. Modern diagnostic equipment allows us to communicate with the vehicle’s electronic control systems and retrieve fault information that can help us trace the underlying problem.
Importantly, a fault code isn’t necessarily a diagnosis by itself. Our technicians can use that information alongside their experience and further testing to establish what’s actually wrong before recommending the appropriate repair.
What should you do when a warning light comes on?
Firstly, don’t panic. Take note of the colour and symbol and, when it’s safe to do so, check your vehicle handbook for the manufacturer’s guidance.
If you see a red warning light relating to something critical such as oil pressure, brakes or engine temperature, you may need to stop driving as soon as it is safe and seek assistance.
For amber or yellow warnings, your vehicle may still be driveable, but that doesn’t mean the warning should be forgotten about. Arrange to have the vehicle checked promptly, particularly if you notice other symptoms such as reduced power, unusual noises, vibrations, smoke or changes in the way the vehicle drives. And if you’re simply not sure what the warning means, ask us.
Warning light on? Let Birway take a look
At Birway, we believe vehicle maintenance doesn’t need to be complicated. If a warning light has appeared on your dashboard, our experienced team can investigate the problem, explain what we’ve found in straightforward language and advise you on any work that’s required.
Acting promptly could help prevent an inconvenient breakdown and stop a relatively small problem developing into a much more expensive repair. So, rather than hoping that warning light disappears the next time you start your vehicle, get it checked.
Contact us here today to arrange a diagnostic check and repair.
Source: Research commissioned by Halfords, based on a survey of 2,000 UK drivers.