KEEPING UP WITH THE CAR DASH ICONS
What do the warning symbols on my car dashboard mean? 64 motor icons explained
96 per cent of motorists overlook a potentially dangerous break issue warning sign
MOTORISTS all over will be able to relate to the horrible feeling you get when a warning light pops up on the dashboard.
Some of the symbols you see in the car are pretty straightforward, while others continue to confuse many.
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What do each of the symbols on my car's dashboard mean?
First of all, not every symbol that appears on the dashboard of a car is a warning light.
Some symbols indicate vehicle features, mechanical issues and safety features.
Others symbols often relate to the weather and remind you to adjust your mode of driving to the road conditions.
How do you know when your car is trying to warn you?
The important thing to know is that the colours of the symbols matter.
Green or blue lights let you know that everything is working as it should.
Orange or yellow lights are letting you know that your vehicle needs to be repaired or serviced soon.
But, if a red light appears - this usually means that you should take action immediately.
A study by HPI found that 59 per cent of drivers struggle to recognise what all the warning lights on their dash indicate.
Worryingly, 96 per cent couldn't recognise a common brake issue light, potentially putting them in danger.
With self-driving cars becoming a reality and in-car technology growing, keeping your vehicle in good condition is even more important.
Your engine will wear out faster,' warns mechanic of specific type of oil - check the weather before you use it
Most of the time if a symbol suddenly flashes up on your dashboard, it is a good idea to check it out.
Knowing your symbols from your warning lights
It's important to have a good understanding of what your car is trying to say and what you can do about it - so here's everything you need to know and what each warning symbol indicates.
But remember - not every car will have the same symbols, they will vary from vehicle to vehicle.
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Here is a list of some of the symbols you may see in your car
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The most commonly ignored symbols above are the amber warnings for problems with break lights and headlights/tail-lights/signal bulbs.
Headlamp or brake lamp bulbs do fail from time to time but that mustn't be ignored.
Driving without working lights at the front or rear of your vehicle can significantly increase your chances of causing a road accident, not to mention earn yourself a fixed penalty notice, which will include a £60 fine and three points on your licence.
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Driving with worn brake pads can increase the risk of a road accident in a number of ways.
Firstly it will significantly decrease your stopping power, which is especially dangerous in wet or slippery conditions, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions or losing control of the vehicle.
Although the symbol for fog lights is green, it still mustn't be ignored, particularly if the fog has passed, do be ensure the fog lights are switched off to ensure your vehicle is not blinding on-coming traffic.
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The seatbelt symbol is a handy warning light that will alert you to the fact that one or more of the occupants of your vehicle has not fastened their seatbelt properly.
The warning light will disappear once the seatbelt has been secured.
If the airbag symbol shows, it means one of your airbags possibly won’t inflate if you’re involved in a collision.
Alternatively, it could mean an airbag could inflate unnecessarily, which can present a dangerous situation.
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If a red engine oil warning light shows, it means your oil pressure is either too high or too low.
Either way, you need to pull over immediately and call for motoring assistance.
It’s dangerous to keep driving.
Ignoring red engine warning lights will cause serious damage to your car.