Warning Lights Explained! - What your dashboard is telling you.

Let's be honest! - Do any of us really know what our dashboard is telling us? 

Eurofit Autocentres has all the information to help you understand what your vehicle needs! 

- Diesel Particulate Filters - This light indicates an issue with your vehicles Diesel Particulate Filters.

Diesel Particulate Filters remove harmful soot from cars with diesel engines.

Just like any other filter, Diesel Particulate Filters get blocked with soot over time, and the dashboard warning light is your first indication that this has happened.

Fortunately for you, blockages caught early can be cleared easily! Sometimes your car will even do this automatically without you having to worry about it. 

If you drive for a long time at a high steady speed like a motorway, for example, your car will heat up and the soot will burn away. 

However, this isn't convenient nor is it the most reliable way to take care of your car.

Taking your car in for your local mechanic to check is always the best option! This can save you a lot of time, money and stress, as a new DPF typically cost around £1,000.

 - Check Engine or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) - This light indicates the engine computer has set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).

Your check engine light could come on for a number of reasons big or small. This could be anything from a loose cap to a more serious engine matter.

Regardless, when this light comes on it is best to bring your car into the garage as diagnosis usually requires a professional scan tool.  

Our friendly team at Eurofit Autocentres would be happy to help with this issue. 

- Brake System - This could Indicate one of three possible issues; your parking brake is on, a problem with the braking system/brake fluid is low or an ABS problem.

What to do? 

• Check the brake fluid 
• Make sure the parking brake is fully released.

- Battery/Charging Alert - This Indicates battery voltage level is below a normal level and the vehicle's charging system may not functioning properly.

When this light appears it is best to check your battery terminals, alternator belt and your battery condition.

This issue could prove very problematic for you, so if in doubt the best person to contact is your local mechanic like Eurofit Autocentres! 

- Airbag Fault -  If this light stays illuminated after starting, it indicates that there is a fault in the airbag system and the computer has set a code.

It goes without saying that this is a serious concern and professional repair of the supplemental restraint system is highly recommended.

- ABS Light - This light Indicates that the Anti-lock Brake computer has set a code and needs professional diagnosis. 

ABS stands for anti-locking braking system helps your tires to maintain contact with the road while you are braking. It works by preventing the wheels from locking up, which could potentially result in uncontrollable skids.

The main purpose of ABS is to improve your vehicle control when heavy braking, especially on slicker surfaces.

It is not a good idea to drive with your ABS light on as your car is indicating your ABS is not working properly.  

This may means your vehicle might not handle as it is designed to when heavy braking.

If your ABS Light and brake system light are on, this is an emergency and you need to stop driving right away. 

It is time to have your entire brake system checked by a certified mechanic, such as one from your local Eurofit Autocentres!