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dashboard warning lights

Quiz: How well do you really know your dashboard warning lights?

Buckle up – we’re going to tell you.

DASH WARNING LIGHTS are built into the instrument binnacle of a car. Modern motors are fitted with a number of warning lamps on the dashboard that let the driver know if certain critical safety, performance and environmental features are not working properly.

If one of these warning lights came on, how confident are you that you could identify what it meant?

Take our quiz to find out how well you know your dashboard warning lights.

1. What does this light tell you?
A seat-belt is not being used
The passenger airbag is turned off

Baby onboard
2. This light is telling you to check what?
Oil
Fuel

Washer fluid
3. This light is a temperature warning for what?
Washer fluid
Coolant

Transmission
4. This light is a sign that which liquid is low?
Oil
Fuel

Washer fluid
5. What have you neglected to do if you see this symbol turn on?
Put your seatbelt on
Shut the doors properly

Secure the child's car seat
6. Why might you be likely to see this symbol pop up?
The tyre pressure is low
The oil pressure is low

The brake pressure is low
7. This warning light is telling you to check what?
Check radiator
Check brakes

Check engine
8. What does this light mean?
Go to the gym
Anti-lock Brake System issue

Engage core
9. If you see this symbol it means what?
Brake system issue
High beams are on

Hazard lights are on
10. This light is telling you that...
Wings are deployed
A door is open

The mirrors are working
Answer all the questions to see your result!
You scored out of !
You're a dashboard expert!
You know your tyres from your temperature gauge - and your car will thank you for it. Keep up the good work!
Share your result:
You scored out of !
You're getting up to speed
You know your way around those warning lights, but there might still be a couple that trip you up.
Share your result:
You scored out of !
You've stalled at the lights
Nice try, but you should probably brush up on your dashboard warnings - you car will thank you for it!
Share your result:

How did you do? Let us know in the comments below!

Correct answers and notes:

  1. The passenger airbag is turned off. Airbags can be turned on and off for different reasons. 
  2. Oil. An oil warning light is one of the more serious warning lights. A leak, a faulty pump or too little (or even too much) oil can cause damage to the engine so check the oil level as soon as you can.
  3. Coolant. Overheated coolant means your engine is running hot. If you notice this light, stop the car immediately, as running hot for too long can damage the engine. If your car is consistently overheating, you need to get it looked at by a garage.
  4. Fuel. Head to the nearest petrol station and fill up.
  5. Put your seatbelt on. Always buckle up.
  6. The tyre pressure is low. This light will appear if the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System detects a drop in tyre air pressure. You’ll need to check and inflate the tyre.
  7. Check engine. If this warning illuminates, it’s very important to get your car checked, even if it feels completely normal to drive. This is because it warns of a potential problem with the engine.
  8. Anti-lock Brake System issue. If this light illuminates, there is an issue with your ABS but you should still have normal, unassisted braking, so it’s safe to continue your journey at a slow speed. However, if it is very icy out or there are dangerous conditions which may cause you to need ABS, then you should pull over and call for assistance.
  9. Brake system warning light. Check that the handbrake is fully released. If this doesn’t solve the problem, it may mean that the brake fluid level is low and needs topping up, or that a brake pad wear sensor is faulty. However, it could also be a more serious issue with the braking system.
  10. A door is open. Pull over and shut the door properly.

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