The dashboard, gauges and warning lights

By the end of this topic you can

• You can read the speedometer quickly and accurately.
• You can check that warning lights come on and then go out when you start the engine.
• You can recognise the main warning lights and decide whether to stop straight away or get the car checked soon.
• You can use the handbook to identify an unfamiliar symbol.

What you need to know and understand

• When you switch on, many lights come on as a bulb check. Most should go out once the engine starts. The parking brake light stays on until you release it.
• If a warning light stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you should stop safely and find out why.
• As a general guide, red lights usually mean a serious problem or stop, amber means a fault to check soon, and green or blue show something is switched on.
• The blue light means main beam headlights are on.
• The ABS warning light stays on if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
• A battery or charge warning light can mean the battery is not being charged.

The gauges you will use every drive

• Speedometer: shows your speed in mph, often with km/h too. Glance at it often, especially after leaving a faster road.
• Rev counter (tachometer): shows engine speed in thousands of revolutions per minute. Useful for judging gear changes in a manual car.
• Fuel gauge or battery range: shows how much fuel or charge is left.
• Temperature gauge: shows engine temperature in many cars. It should settle near the middle once the engine is warm.
• Information display: may show the outside temperature, trip distance, range, gear advice and warnings.

Lights that mean pull over now

Some warnings mean that carrying on could damage the engine or make the car unsafe. When you see one of these, find a safe place to stop as soon as you can, switch off and get help.

• Oil pressure (an oil can symbol, usually red): the engine may not be getting enough oil.
• Engine temperature (a thermometer in liquid, usually red): the engine is overheating.
• Brake system warning (usually red, often an exclamation mark in a circle): if it stays on after the parking brake is released, there may be a brake fault such as low fluid.
• Power steering warning: the steering may suddenly become much heavier.

Lights that mean get it checked

Amber lights such as the engine management light, ABS light or tyre pressure warning usually mean the car can be driven carefully to a garage, but do not ignore them. A flashing engine light, or any change in how the car feels, is a sign to stop and get advice. If you are unsure about any light, stop safely and check the handbook.

Information lights

Some lights simply confirm a control is in use: indicators (green arrows), dipped headlights (green), main beam (blue) and fog lights. On the test you may be asked to show you know how to switch on the rear fog light and check its warning light, or to check main beam using its warning light.

Common mistakes

• Starting the engine without looking at the dashboard. Watch the lights go out after start-up.
• Leaving main beam on after a vehicle approaches. Keep an eye out for the blue light.
• Ignoring an amber light for weeks. Book the car in, as small faults can become expensive or dangerous.
• Staring at the dashboard for too long. Use quick glances and keep your eyes mainly on the road.

Test yourself: The dashboard, gauges and warning lights

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Dashboard Warning Lights, Overheating and Car Fires