An alarming number of people in the UK don’t understand what the lights on their dashboards mean. Even though they are not always a cause for concern, learning what it means when a symbol on your dashboard lights up can be extremely important.

Don’t rely on others to explain the dashboard

It may be convenient to rely on someone else for help, but it is still vital to know what’s going on with your own car. This can keep you and others safe.

As a young driver you don’t yet share the same experiences with those that have been driving for many years. Luckily, there is plenty of advice online that you can take advantage of. There are also insurance plans which are especially tailored to new drivers, such as a young driver insurance which can offer lower premiums. As you gain more experience, relying on the advice that others give you can be helpful. Just remember that others can also be wrong, so make sure to do your own research.

Many drivers in the UK don’t understand all of the lights

If you don’t understand all of the symbols yet, you are not alone. A recent study found that 98% of drivers in the UK don’t know what all of the warning signs mean, including those that indicate tire pressure and even the fog lights. Most participants in the study also didn’t recognise the engine emission lights. The various warning lights can be confusing, but don’t worry. After you’ve studied them they will make more sense to you.

Image Sourced from PSA Retail UK Limited

What do the different colours mean?

Not only does it matter which symbols light up, but also which colour is displayed. A red light could indicate a more serious warning. If you see a red light on the dashboard, try to take care of the issue as soon as you can. A yellow light can warn you of a possible issue that you should take care of in the next few weeks, but it is important to keep an eye on it and get it checked sooner if you can. If you see a green, white or blue light, its usually no cause for concern, but could just be indicating a minor issue. For example, you could have left your fog lights on.

Lights you shouldn’t ignore

Certain red lights can mean that there is an issue that you shouldn’t ignore. While the brake warning light can simply mean that you may need to check if the handbrake is fully released, the problem could also be much more serious. In order to stay safe, make sure to stop driving and consult the manual or have your car inspected.