Quiz: How well do you know car dashboard warning lights?

Take the quiz and see whether you can identify our dozen dashboard warning lights.

We learn how to drive, repeat the mantra ‘mirror, signal, manoeuvre’ and remember what road signs mean. But how many drivers know their car’s dashboard warning lights? 

It’s important to heed any warning flagged up on your dashboard. Typically, they give drivers the opportunity to have a mechanical or electrical problem investigated and repaired by a garage, before it becomes serious enough to cause lasting damage to a car.

So, it’s well worth knowing what those warning lights mean. Take our quiz now to see how much you know.

 

Results

Green%20light!%20You%20know%20your%20way%20around%20a%20car%5C’s%20warning%20lights%3B%20keep%20up%20the%20good%20work%20and%20drive%20safe.

Red%20alert!%20You%20need%20to%20brush%20up%20on%20your%20car%5C’s%20warning%20lights%3B%20sit%20down%20with%20the%20vehicle%20handbook%20and%20a%20cup%20of%20tea%20and%20get%20up%20to%20speed.

#1.

Vehicle charging system malfunction

Insert new battery into key fob

Recharge plug-in hybrid battery

#2.

Ignition system fault

Ignition key jammed

Switch off ignition

#3.

Radiator needs topping up with coolant

NOx measurement avoidance system active

The emissions control unit has developed a fault

#4.

Noisy environment; cover your ears

Brake system fault

Hot brakes; pull over and let them cool

#5.

Ignition system fault

Incorrect key inserted

Release steering lock

#6.

Faulty suspension spring

Tie up long hair to avoid tangling in steering wheel

Diesel glow plug in use or faulty

#7.

Apply some grease at the weekend to get rid of the annoying squeak

Stop the car: low oil level or low oil pressure

Add some oil at the next fuel station

#8.

Don't blow bubbles when chewing gum

Airbag and seat belt restraint system fault

Hands-free microphone malfunction

#9.

Tyre tread depth is dangerously low

Traction control malfunction

Low air pressure in tyre

#10.

Check engine coolant

Check infotainment GPS signal

Check engine oil

#11.

Take a break from driving and play a game of draughts

Have the diesel particulate filter inspected

Exhaust catalyst has holes in it

#12.

Steering lock engaged

Heated steering wheel switched on

Power steering system fault

Previous

Finish

Carmakers use a common colour scheme that, much like traffic lights, uses green to indicate all is well, amber to give an advisory signal that may require further investigation, and red to show a serious problem that needs investigation as soon as safely possible.

Whatever the warning, from you needing to put on your seat belt, to your oil levels being low, they all matter. But, as different cars feature different mechanical and electronic systems, it’s worth checking your vehicle’s handbook to learn all the warning lights unique to your vehicle. It’s time well spent and it could save you from serious trouble further down the road.

This quiz was originally published on 13.05.2016.

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