Decoding Engine Warning Lights: What to Do When Your Dashboard Lights Up

When your car's dashboard alerts you with an amber engine light, it's crucial to understand what your vehicle is communicating. Whatever you drive, responding promptly can prevent further issues. Protyre offers expert care and assistance on engine warning signs.

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Understanding Your Car's Engine Warning Lights

When the engine light on car dashboards illuminates, it's a signal that your vehicle needs attention. This light could indicate anything from a loose connection to more serious engine problems. Recognising the difference between an orange engine light, which often signifies minor issues, and an amber engine warning light, or a red one suggesting more urgent problems, is crucial.

What to Do When the Engine Light Comes On

If you notice an engine management light on, it's important not to ignore it. Understanding what can cause the engine management light to come on is crucial. Firstly, stop as soon as it is safe to do so and check common and easily solvable issues such as whether your fuel cap is tightly secured and any obvious loose wires, hoses or connectors under the bonnet. If the light persists, reduce your driving speed and load if possible and head to your nearest Protyre garage for assistance. For vehicles showing an amber engine light, it's advisable to perform a more immediate check to avoid potential damage.

At Protyre, expert technicians can diagnose the cause, often using the OBD2 port under the dashboard to connect a diagnostic tool to the engine's management systems which will have logged a relevant fault code. They can look up the codes to determine the cause of any amber engine light warnings. Timely professional assessment can save you from costly repairs down the line.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Engine Light Warnings

Regular vehicle maintenance is key to preventing unexpected engine warning lights. At Protyre, we recommend regular servicing to provide periodic checks on essential components, including electronics, mechanical components, fluid and oil levels, filters and the gearbox.

It is also worth ensuring that your tyres are regularly inspected for wear and pressure at your local Protyre garage. These preventative measures not only enhance your vehicle's performance but also contribute to safer driving conditions. Protyre stock a wide range of tyres from leading manufacturers including Pirelli and Bridgestone, through to budget options such as Ovation, depending on your requirements and finances.

Visit Your Local Protyre Garage for Trusted Service

For any engine light concerns, your first stop should be your local Protyre garage. Our network of over 180 garages across the UK stands ready to assist with expert advice and professional service. Trust our skilled technicians to handle everything from routine diagnostics to complex repairs, ensuring your car receives the best possible care.

For convenience and assurance, book your service online and rely on Protyre, the local garage you can trust, for all your automotive needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an amber engine light mean?

An amber engine light is a warning that there could be a serious issue with your vehicle's engine or related systems. It suggests that your car should be checked immediately to avoid potential damage to the engine or other components.

Can driving with a tyre issue trigger the engine warning light?

Tyre issues are more likely to trigger a TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) warning light if the pressure in one or more tyres is above or below the recommended levels.

What should I do if the engine light comes on while driving?

If the engine light turns on while driving, try to reduce your speed and load if possible. It's advisable to visit a Protyre garage immediately for a diagnostic check.