A new study has revealed that four in five drivers in the UK don't understand what car warning symbols mean on their dashboard.
With the weather taking a turn this weekend, brakes will be worn out and drivers could be at risk of disruption and possible accidents.
In the study of 1,000 British drivers by ATS Euromaster, over half (61 per cent) don't recognise they are being warned about their brake pads.
The most unknown warning light was the engine cooling light, which 4 in 5 (80 per cent) drivers failed to identify.
Incorrectly identifying this symbol could cause the engine to overheat and do irreparable damage, leading to a new engine costing up to £5,000.
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Half (47 per cent) of drivers believe they are being warned of a brake light fault, with over one in 10 (14 per cent) confusing this warning light with cruise control.
Ignoring this can be dangerous, as faulty brakes could lead to the inability to stop your car and could also damage your rotors, costing up to £400 to replace.
To help people identify the most mistaken warning lights, the experts at ATS Euromaster have provided four tips on what to do when you see the following warning lights.
Engine Cooling Warning Light
This light is recognised by a red thermometer above two red waves. This warning light warns the engine temperature is getting too high and indicates your car is running low on engine coolant.
It's important to take immediate steps to avoid potential damage once you see this light. So, take the following steps:
Safely pull over to the side of the road and turn off your engine. Letting the engine run when it's overheating can damage the engine.
Let your car cool down, check the coolant level and add coolant 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.
Brake Pad Warning Light
This symbol is recognised by a red circle with two dashed semi-circles surrounding it. This symbol 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.
Brake System Warning Light
This symbol is similar to the brake pad warning light, except that there is a red exclamation mark inside the red circle - and the semi-circles aren't dashed.
The brake warning light can come in during several situations, including:
Brake fluid has begun leaking
The hydraulic brake circuits are failing
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 symbol is recognised by a small oil can. When this warning light comes on, 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.
Do not risk driving after this warning light appears, and instead, get your car towed to a garage.
The experts say: "Car warning lights serve a very important purpose for drivers; they can be triggered for a range of reasons and should not be ignored as they can lead to serious damage and high costs.
"The best way to ensure you don’t miss any key signs your car has a fault is to be aware of what they mean and how to fix them and speak to a garage if you are unsure.”
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