Not sure what that light or noise means?
We can help. Whether it is a warning light on your dashboard, a strange sound from under the bonnet, or you just want some handy car tips — we explain it all in plain language, no mechanic-speak.
How This Site Helps You
Understanding Warning Lights
Your dashboard has dozens of warning lights, and most drivers only recognise a handful of them. When an unfamiliar symbol lights up, it can be stressful — especially if you are on the road. We cover the most common dashboard warning lights across all major categories, from engine and brakes to electrical systems and tyre pressure. Each entry explains what the light means in plain English, rates the urgency on a clear 1–5 scale, and tells you whether it is safe to continue driving.
Identifying Strange Noises
Cars develop all sorts of sounds over time. Some are harmless, but others can signal a problem that needs attention. Our noise guides describe what each sound is like, list the most common causes, and help you judge how urgently you should act. Whether it is a squeal when you brake, a rumble from underneath, or a clicking sound when you turn, we help you make sense of it without the jargon.
Simple Maintenance Tips
You do not need to be a mechanic to take care of the basics. Our handy tips section covers everyday tasks like checking your oil, topping up washer fluid, and what to do if you get a flat tyre. Each guide is written for complete beginners, with a clear list of what you will need and step-by-step instructions anyone can follow.
Dashboard Warning Lights by Category
Choose a category below to see the warning lights that fall under it. Each light includes a plain-language explanation, urgency rating, and advice on whether you can keep driving.
Engine & Transmission
Warning lights related to your engine and transmission. These cover everything under the bonnet that keeps your car moving.
5 warning lightsBrakes & Safety
Lights related to your braking system and built-in safety features like airbags, traction control, and stability systems.
6 warning lightsElectrical & Battery
Warnings about your car's electrical system, battery, and charging. These lights tell you if your car is having trouble keeping its power supply healthy.
2 warning lightsLights & Visibility
Indicators for your headlights, fog lights, turn signals, and other visibility features. Most of these are simply telling you what's switched on.
4 warning lightsFluids & Temperature
Warnings about fluid levels and engine temperature. These lights keep an eye on oil, coolant, fuel, and washer fluid so you don't run dry.
4 warning lightsTires & Pressure
Alerts about your tire condition and air pressure. Keeping your tires in good shape is one of the easiest ways to stay safe on the road.
2 warning lightsHear a Strange Noise?
Cars make all sorts of sounds — some normal, some not. Unusual noises often develop gradually, so it can be hard to tell whether something has changed or whether it has always sounded that way. Our guides describe each noise, explain the most likely causes, and help you decide how quickly you need to act. Select a noise below for a full breakdown.
Grinding When Braking
Pull Over NowA harsh, grinding metal-on-metal sound when you press the brake pedal. It sounds like sandpaper on metal or two pieces o…
Grinding When Starting the Engine
See a Mechanic SoonA harsh grinding or crunching noise when you turn the key or press the start button. It sounds like metal teeth clashing…
Hissing or Sizzling Under the Bonnet
See a Mechanic SoonA hissing, sizzling, or spitting sound from the engine bay, often after you stop driving. You might also see steam or no…
Knocking or Pinging Under Acceleration
Schedule a VisitA metallic knocking or pinging sound that gets louder when you accelerate or drive uphill. It sounds a bit like someone …
Handy Tips for Car Owners
You do not need any experience to look after the basics. These step-by-step guides cover common tasks like checking your oil, topping up fluids, and dealing with a flat tyre. Each guide tells you what tools you need, how long it will take, and walks you through it from start to finish.
How to Check Your Oil
A quick check you can do in your driveway to make sure your engine has enough oil.
How to Top Up Your Engine Oil
If your oil is low, here is how to safely add more without overfilling.
How to Fill Washer Fluid
Keep your windscreen sparkling clean — topping up washer fluid takes two minutes.
How to Check Your Tire Pressure
Correctly inflated tires keep you safe, save fuel, and last longer. Here is how to check them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do when a warning light comes on?
Stay calm and check the colour. A red warning light usually means stop driving as soon as it is safe and get help. An amber or orange light means something needs attention soon, but it is usually safe to continue driving carefully. A green or blue light is simply telling you a system is active, like your headlights or cruise control.
If you are unsure, pull over safely and look up the light on our site or in your owner’s manual. Our dashboard warning light guides cover the most common lights and rate each one by urgency so you know how quickly you need to act.
Is it safe to keep driving when a dashboard light is on?
It depends on the light. Some lights, like the check engine light when steady, mean you can drive carefully to a garage. Others, like a red oil pressure or brake warning light, mean you should stop as soon as safely possible.
Each warning light page on this site tells you clearly whether it is safe to drive, whether you should drive with caution, or whether you should pull over immediately. When in doubt, the safest choice is always to stop and call for help.
My car is making a strange noise — should I be worried?
Any new or unusual noise is worth investigating. Squealing when braking often means worn brake pads. A knocking sound from the engine could indicate low oil or a more serious issue. Grinding noises from the wheels may point to worn bearings or brake components.
Our common car noises guide covers a wide range of sounds, what they typically mean, and how urgently you should act.
How often should I check my car’s oil level?
It is a good idea to check your oil level at least once a month and before any long journey. Checking your oil is quick and easy — our step-by-step guide walks you through the process in about five minutes. Regular oil checks can help you catch low levels before they cause engine damage.
Do I need to be a mechanic to do basic car maintenance?
Not at all. Many basic car checks are simple enough for anyone to do, even if you have never looked under a bonnet before. Tasks like checking your oil, topping up washer fluid, or checking tyre pressure take just a few minutes and need no special knowledge.
Our handy tips section provides plain-language, step-by-step instructions for each task, along with a list of what you will need and how long it should take.