There is no greater fear for a car owner than a warning light staying on your dashboard when you start your car. Understanding the warning lights will help you to fix the problem.
Modern vehicles are packed with technology and sensors to monitor how your vehicle is behaving.
Low Fuel
This is a warning light that comes on when the amount of fuel in the tank has passed a certain level. Typically it'll come on when you've got around 50-70 miles of range which should give you enough warning to find a fuel station.
Seatbelt
Modern cars use pressure sensors in the seats and sensor in the seatbelts so if there is a certain amount of weight on a seat and the seatbelt isn't secured it will let you know.
Door/boot/bonnet
These lights let you know that one of the openings - door, boot or bonnet - is open or hasn't been shut properly and is only loosely closed.
Tyre-Pressure
It's been mandatory for car makers to fit a tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for the last few years. The TPMS constantly monitors the amount of air in the tyres, if it drops it'll provide a warning.
Traction-control
You will commonly see your car's traction-control warning light when the wheels lose grip, usually in snow or rain. If the light is on constantly it usually means traction control is deactivated, either by a fault or by you switching it off.
Temperature Warning
If this light comes on at any time after starting up the engine then the engine is running too hot or there isn't enough coolant in the system. If you notice this light stop your vehicle immediately as your engine running too hot for too long can lead to total engine failure
Battery
This light can indicate a number of things all to do with your vehicles battery and charging system. Without the battery or charging system providing electricity you may find your headlights, power steering, brake servos or the engine stops working.
Brake system
This is another light that requires immediate attention. It could be on as you have left the handbrake on slightly when pulling away, some cars have a letter 'P' instead of an exclamation mark. If the light comes on while you are driving, safely pull over and arrange for assistance.
Oil Pressure
Oil pressure is generated by the oil pump keeping the engine oil circulating and by the quantity of oil in the engine. A leak, fault pump or too little oil can cause damage to the engine. If this light comes on you should stop your engine immediately, you may just have to top up the oil (you can find out which oil you need in your drivers handbook) to make the light go out. If the light remains on the issue could be more serious and requires a garage to investigate.
Check Engine
If this light comes on it is very important to get your vehicle checked even if it feels normal to drive. This light warns of a potential problem with the engine.
AdBlue
The AdBlue warning light usually means the diesel exhaust fluid is low which will eventually prevent your engine from starting
Glow Plug
The glow plug light is only found on the dashboard of diesel-powered vehicles. It comes on when the engines glow plugs are still warming up and your engine should not be started until the light goes out. If it flashes after starting the engine an issue has been detected.