A warning light appears on your dashboard. 

Your heart sinks a little. 

Is it serious? Can you keep driving? Do you need to pull over right now?

The honest answer depends on which light it is, and that is exactly what this blog post is for.

The ones that need immediate attention

If any of these appear, stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so and call for assistance.

Red oil pressure warning means your engine is not getting enough lubrication. Continuing to drive can cause serious and expensive damage within minutes.

Red temperature warning means your engine is overheating. Pull over, turn off the engine and do not open the bonnet until things have cooled down.

Red battery warning while driving (not just on ignition) means your car is running on reserve power only. You may have limited time before it cuts out entirely.

The ones that need attention soon

These do not mean stop immediately, but they should not be ignored for long.

Engine management light (amber): This covers a wide range of issues, from a loose fuel cap to a sensor fault. The only way to know what it means for your car is a diagnostic check. We can read the fault code and tell you exactly what is flagged.

Brake warning light (amber): Usually means your brake fluid is low or your pads are wearing down. Worth checking promptly.

Tyre pressure warning: One or more tyres are below the recommended pressure. Check them before your next long journey.

The ones people panic about unnecessarily

Service due light is a reminder, not a fault. Your car is not broken. It is telling you a routine service is coming up.

TPMS reset light often appears after a tyre change or pressure top-up and just needs resetting. We can do this in minutes.

When in doubt, book a diagnostic

Modern cars have hundreds of sensors and the light on your dashboard is just the messenger. A diagnostic check at MotorSector in Streatham reads the fault code stored in your car’s system and tells you what is actually going on, not just what the light suggests.

No guesswork. No unnecessary repairs. Just a clear answer.

Book a diagnostic check online at motorsector.com or call us on 0203 981 1781.