Those of us who drive will most likely be casting a good glance over the dashboard from time to time, to see if any warning lights have cropped up.
It's important to be aware of what they mean, as sometimes your car will need urgent repairs if there's something seriously wrong. But vehicles can be unpredictable and the lights can illuminate sometimes without much warning at all.
Some of these, like the low fuel symbol, are simple enough to recognise. But others can be more tricky to decipher, and there's one in particular relating to your car's temperature that often leaves drivers confused.
The engine cooling warning light, which looks like a thermometer with wavy lines at the bottom, has many drivers stumped as a survey by ATS Euromaster found that 80 percent of motorists didn't know what it meant.
This warning light warns the engine temperature is getting too high and indicates your car is running low on engine coolant.
Incorrectly identifying this symbol could cause the engine to overheat and do irreparable damage, leading to a new engine costing up to £5,000.
There are a few steps you need to take if this light comes on whilst you're behind the wheel. First, safely pull over to the side of the road and turn off your engine, as letting it run when it's overheating can damage it.
Then let your car cool down, check the coolant level and add some if needed. Be sure to check the owner manual to see what type your vehicle needs.
If adding coolant doesn't fix the problem, the engine may be too damaged to drive. In this case, you'll need to call a tow truck to take the car to a mechanic.
According to ATS Euromaster, there are a few more car symbols that a lot of drivers seem to be unaware of.
Here, a spokesperson has outlined what each of them means, and what to do if the end up illuminated on your dashboard.
Brake pad monitoring light
This symbol, which looks like a circle with three curved dotted lines coming down each side, stumped 61 percent of drivers surveyed.
It signifies that the brake pads are worn and, depending on the severity, need to be replaced. If the light is blinking, it indicates a more serious problem, and you should take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.
This can cost around £250 depending on your vehicle. To avoid this situation, you can book a free brake check here.
Brake system warning light
57 percent of drivers couldn't recognise this warning light, which looks like a circle with an exclamation mark in it, surrounded by two curved lines.
It can come on in several situations, for example, if the brake fluid has begun leaking, the hydraulic brake circuits are failing, or if the brake pads need replacing.
If your warning light comes on, pull over safely and call your breakdown provider. Don’t risk driving with faulty brakes as this could cause more damage and result in a serious accident.
It's recommended to replace brake fluid every two years to make sure it’s as effective as possible and avoid braking heavily for long periods by adjusting your driving style.
Check engine oil pressure light
This oil-can symbol was a mystery for 60 percent of people, but it's vital you know what to do if it comes on.
If you see it light up, you must stop the engine as soon as you can. This light signals a problem with your car's oil pressure, leading to serious engine damage.
Don't risk driving after this warning light appears - instead, get your car towed to a garage.
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