5 common warning witnesses on the board, what do they want to tell us and how to react?

When you start your car, the lights in the instrument cluster light up at the same time like a Christmas tree, with different shapes and colors. Many of them go off a few seconds later, and others are familiar and well-known: seat belt alert, lights on, door open, high beams, parking brake, and gearbox selector.

But what about the others? We assure you that you want to know what they mean before it is too late, and although you can find out about them in detail in the user manual of your car, here we offer you a brief description of each of them. Here Auto for Trade has collaborated in defining the meanings and of these light ups in your dashboard. Another important note whenever you buy a used car online in UK you should check all these lights to determine the condition of the car.

Check Engine 'Check Engine'

It is usually yellow and engine-shaped, but illuminates when there is a problem with the engine or with the electrical and emission control systems. If the light comes on while you're driving, your best bet is to find a safe place to stop, turn off the engine, and let it cool down for at least 10-15 minutes.

If it turns off, you can continue your journey, but always taking into account that you should take it to a mechanic as soon as possible. If the light does not turn off, then you should check the user manual for the steps to follow.

Oil alert

This core is commonly red in color and is shaped like an oil can. Depending on the vehicle, it may mean that the oil temperature is too high, that the pressure is too low or too high, or that there is simply not too much oil in the reservoir. In either case, it must be treated seriously.

Any of the problems listed can represent immediate and costly damage. If the warning light comes on while you are driving, we recommend that you stop and wait for the engine to cool down for about 10 minutes, then check the oil levels in the engine. If the levels are within the indicated tolerance and the light goes out, continue your journey cautiously to a mechanic you trust, otherwise, call for roadside assistance to avoid potential costly engine damage.

Temperature alert

In addition to being oil cooled and lubricated, the engine is also cooled by a mixture of water and antifreeze that is commonly called radiator fluid. To cool the engine efficiently, this fluid needs to operate in a specific temperature range.

In most modern cars, this thermometer-shaped symbol lights blue when the temperature is too low (normal for the first few miles of travel) or red when it is too hot.

If you have the blue symbol, drive normally until it goes out, but if it is red, stop where it is safe, let the radiator fluid cool down and check that there is enough. If it does not turn off, it is best, for safety, to call a tow truck.

Brake failure

A red circle heeled by two small waves may indicate a fault in the brake system. Like many of the lights we already discussed, it can have different meanings depending on the make and model of your car. If the light doesn't go off when starting or comes on while you're driving, it could mean that the parking brake is set, there is something wrong with the ABS, or there is a problem with the brake system as a whole.

It can be something minor like low brake fluid level, which can be topped up according to the manufacturer's guidelines found in the owner's manual, but it can also mean that the brakes are not working.

We recommend stopping as fast as possible, but if you are not sure, or feel that there is something wrong with the brake pedal, it is best to finish your trip and have your car towed. After all, we are talking about the brake system, vital for safety on board.

Low tire pressure

As the final point of contact between your car and the road, tires are critical. In addition to being in good condition, air pressure is vital for proper operation. In many cars the tires are continuously monitored by a wireless pressure gauge and if a tire pressure drops below the predetermined level, the yellow light will appear on the instrument cluster, in which case, we recommend pulling up and visually checking the condition of the tires. .

If everything seems fine, then you should wait for the tires to cool down before you can check the pressure and proceed to inflate the tire. Always carry a barometer with you to check the pressure and inflate them to the pressure indicated by the assembler, the same that you will find on the door frame, gas tank cap or user manual.

After inflating the tire it is important that you readjust the monitoring system before continuing your trip, but if the tire loses pressure again it is very likely that it has a small hole and needs to be patched or replaced. In this case, change the tire, install the spare, and visit a vulcanize as soon as possible.