Your warning light just came on: what to do next
4 min read · Published 8 September 2026
A warning light on the dashboard is your car telling you something has changed. What you do next depends on the colour and whether it is steady or flashing.
Red means stop and check
Red lights point to something that may affect safety or could cause damage. Oil pressure, coolant temperature, battery charging and braking are the common ones. Where it is safe, pull over, switch off the engine and take a moment. A flashing red light deserves the same urgency.
Amber means investigate soon
Amber lights usually mean the car can be driven but the fault should be looked at promptly. The engine management light is the most familiar. If it stays on steadily you can usually continue to a garage; if it flashes, treat it as urgent.
Write down what you noticed
- When the light first appeared and what you were doing
- Whether it is steady or flashing
- Any change in how the car drives, sounds or smells
- Whether the light goes out and comes back
That short note is genuinely useful when the car is looked at, because some faults only show themselves now and then. If you are unsure, call the garage on 07494 227487 and describe what you are seeing before you drive further.
Want the garage to look at it?
Book a morning drop-off, or call us and describe what you have noticed.