Don’t guess. Ask MVS.
A light on your dash?
Find the symbol. See the next step. Let us take a look.
Find your warning light
These meanings apply to lights that stay on while driving. A symbol guides the check; it does not diagnose the fault. If the car feels unsafe, stop somewhere safe and arrange recovery.
| Light & urgency | What it could mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| CHECK SOONsteady engine warning light | Steady engine warning light An engine or emissions fault needs investigating. | Arrange diagnostics. If it flashes, runs roughly or loses power, stop safely and get assistance. Ask MVS to check it |
| STOP SAFELYflashing engine warning light | Flashing engine warning light A flashing engine light can mean a damaging misfire. | Stop safely, switch off and arrange assistance. Avoid further driving. Call MVS for advice Arrange recovery if you cannot drive safely. This form is not emergency assistance. |
| STOP SAFELYred oil-pressure warning light | Red oil-pressure warning light The engine may not have enough oil pressure. | Stop safely and switch off immediately. Arrange assistance; do not keep driving. Call MVS for advice Arrange recovery if you cannot drive safely. This form is not emergency assistance. |
| STOP SAFELYred engine-temperature warning light | Red engine-temperature warning light The engine may be overheating. | Stop safely and switch off. Never open a hot coolant cap. Arrange assistance. Call MVS for advice Arrange recovery if you cannot drive safely. This form is not emergency assistance. |
| STOP SAFELYred battery warning light while driving | Red battery warning light while driving The charging system may have failed. | Stop safely and arrange assistance. The vehicle may lose electrical power. Call MVS for advice Arrange recovery if you cannot drive safely. This form is not emergency assistance. |
| STOP SAFELYred brake warning light | Red brake warning light With the parking brake released, a brake-system fault may be present. | If the light stays on or braking feels different, stop safely and arrange assistance. Call MVS for advice Arrange recovery if you cannot drive safely. This form is not emergency assistance. |
| CHECK SOONABS warning light | ABS warning light Anti-lock braking may not work. | Arrange a check promptly. A red brake light or abnormal braking means stop safely. Ask MVS to check it |
| CHECK NOWtyre-pressure warning light | Tyre-pressure warning light Tyre pressure may be low, or a sensor may need checking. | Stop somewhere safe to inspect the tyres. Do not drive on a flat tyre. Ask MVS to check it |
| CHECK SOONairbag warning light | Airbag warning light An airbag or restraint-system fault may reduce protection. | Ask MVS to investigate promptly. The light alone does not identify the failed part. Ask MVS to check it |
| SYSTEM ONgreen dipped-headlamp indicator | Green dipped-headlamp indicator Your dipped headlights are switched on. | This indicator normally confirms operation; it does not indicate a fault. |
Guide checked 9 September 2026 · AA guidance · RAC guidance