KNOW YOUR DASH
WARNING LIGHT LIBRARY
Every dashboard light explained, with how urgent it is and what to do. Red means stop, amber means plan a fix, green and blue are just status. Run a full diagnosis →
Oil pressure
Engine oil pressure is too low. Driving on can destroy the engine.
Pull over, switch off, check the oil level. Top up if low; if the light stays on with oil at the right level, get it towed — do not drive.
Coolant temperature
Engine is overheating. Continued driving warps the head and busts gaskets.
Stop safely, let it cool, check coolant level and for leaks. Never open a hot radiator cap.
Battery / charging
The alternator is not charging the battery — you are running on stored charge.
Drive straight to a battery test point. You have limited distance before it dies. Limit electrical load.
Brake system
Low brake fluid, handbrake still engaged or a hydraulic fault.
Check the handbrake first. If it is off and the light stays, do not drive — have it recovered.
Airbag / SRS
A fault in the airbag system — airbags may not deploy in a crash.
Have the SRS system scanned promptly. The car is driveable but safety is compromised.
Power steering
Electric or hydraulic power steering has failed — steering will feel heavy.
Driveable but take care at low speed and parking. Check fluid on hydraulic systems; scan otherwise.
Check engine (MIL)
The ECU has logged an emissions or engine fault. Steady light = get it checked soon; flashing = misfire, ease off immediately.
Read the code with an OBD scanner or run our diagnostics tool for the exact cause.
ABS
The anti-lock braking system is offline. Normal brakes still work, but they can lock up.
Drive carefully, allow longer braking distances, have the ABS scanned.
Tyre pressure (TPMS)
One or more tyres are significantly under-inflated (or the sensor needs relearn after a rotation).
Check all tyre pressures cold, inflate to spec, then reset the system.
Diesel particulate filter (DPF)
The DPF is filling with soot. It usually clears itself on a longer drive.
Drive 20-30 minutes above 60 km/h for a passive regen. If the light persists, forced regen at a workshop.
Glow plugs (diesel)
Glow plugs are pre-heating — normal in cold starts. Flashing while driving means a glow plug fault.
Wait for the light to go out before cranking. Flashing while driving: scan the system.
AdBlue / SCR
AdBlue level is low or the emissions system has a fault — some cars eventually restrict starting.
Top up AdBlue soon. If the level is fine but the light stays, get it scanned.
Traction / stability control
The stability control system is active (slip) or disabled/faulty.
Flashing while slipping is normal. Solid while driving means the system is off — have it scanned.
Fuel level / range
Low fuel. On many cars the light also warns of fuel filter water on diesels.
Refuel. On diesels with a water-in-fuel light, drain the filter.
Seatbelt reminder
Occupant without a seatbelt.
Buckle up — also a roadworthy and legal requirement.
Door / boot open
A door, boot or bonnet is not fully closed.
Check all closures before moving.
High beam
High-beam headlights are on.
Dip for oncoming traffic.
Cruise control
Cruise control is set and active.
Brake or cancel to deactivate.
Fog lights (rear)
Rear fog lights are on — illegal in clear conditions.
Switch off when visibility is good.
Engine derate / limp mode
The ECU has limited power to protect the engine (common on turbo and diesel faults).
Scan the fault codes — limp mode is a symptom, the code is the cause.
SA ROADWORTHY PRE-CHECK
What the test station looks for and what fails most. Work through this before booking your roadworthy — most failures are things you can fix the week before.
Lights & signals
- ✓ All headlights, brake lights, indicators and number-plate lights work
- ✓ Headlight aim is correct (not blinding or pointing down at the road close by)
- ✓ Lenses are not cracked or badly faded
Brakes
- ✓ Pedal is firm, not spongy, and the car stops straight
- ✓ Handbrake holds on an incline
- ✓ Brake fluid is between MIN and MAX
Tyres & wheels
- ✓ At least 1 mm tread (we recommend 3 mm+) across the full width
- ✓ No cuts, bulges or cracks in the sidewall
- ✓ Pressures correct and wheels free of cracks
- ✓ Matching tyre type on the same axle
Steering & suspension
- ✓ No clunks or knocking over bumps
- ✓ No wandering or excessive play in the steering
- ✓ Shock absorbers not leaking or bouncing excessively
Body & visibility
- ✓ Windscreen free of cracks in the driver's view
- ✓ Wipers clear the glass properly and washers spray
- ✓ All mirrors intact and secure
- ✓ Doors open and close properly from inside
Legal must-haves
- ✓ Valid licence disc displayed
- ✓ Number plates fitted and legible, front and rear
- ✓ Warning triangle present
- ✓ Horn works
- ✓ No excessive smoke or visible exhaust leaks
- ✓ Seatbelts all functional and undamaged