Warning lights are there for a reason – they let you know when something needs your attention or is going wrong. Here's what they mean and how serious the problem might be.

• Warning light: Brake fluid level warning.
• What does it mean? Low brake fluid level.
• What should I do? Don’t drive - check brake fluid level and top up if necessary; look for leaks – if there's one, don’t drive until you've had it repaired.

• Warning light: Brake pad wear warning.
• What does it mean? You need new brake pads.
• What should I do? Get them replaced – but you can drive in the meantime.

• Warning light: Handbrake ‘on’ warning.
• What does it mean? Your handbrake is on.
• What should I do? Make sure its released.

• Warning light: Charge warning.
• What does it mean? The battery isn't charging properly.
• What should I do? You can drive the car but bear in mind that your battery may go flat.

• Warning light: Oil pressure warning.
• What does it mean? Engine oil pressure is low.
• What should I do? If you're driving, stop the car and check for leaks as you could harm the engine.

• Warning light: Coolant temperature warning.
• What does it mean? Coolant temperature too high.
• What should I do? Stop the car, let the engine cool and check the coolant level; call for breakdown cover if you start driving and the light comes on again soon.

• Warning light: Coolant level warning.
• What does it mean? Engine coolant level is low.
• What should I do? Stop the car, let the engine cool and check the coolant level, if the light comes back on, look for leaks.

• Warning light: Engine system warning.
• What does it mean? The car has diagnosed a fault.
• What should I do? You can drive but get the engine checked out soon.

• Warning light: ABS warning.
• What does it mean? ABS fault.
• What should I do? The car can be driven but the ABS may not work. Have the ABS tested as soon as possible.

• Warning light: Airbag warning.
• What does it mean? Airbag fault.
• What should I do? You can drive but the airbag may not work. Get it tested asap.

• Warning light: Low fuel warning.
• What does it mean? You're running out of fuel.
• What should I do? Go to the nearest garage.