Dashboard Warning Lights: When to Contact Your Car Provider
Every PCO driver dreads dashboard warning lights during shifts. They indicate a problem with your vehicle, and ignoring them can lead to breakdowns or compliance issues. Worse, driving a faulty vehicle may breach your PCO car hire agreement, as car operators require you to report any issues with the vehicle immediately.
Timely reporting prevents costly problems later. However, not all dashboard lights require immediate action. Some lights indicate minor warnings, allowing you to continue driving.
In this article, we will explain what each dashboard light means, when to drive, and when to call for help.
Article Highlights
This article covers:
- Types of warning lights
- Common warning lights explained
- EV-specific warning indicators
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Types of Warning Lights
Dashboard warning lights have different colours. Here’s what each colour means.
Red Warning Lights
A red light indicates a serious problem that could cause a breakdown or a safety failure. Driving with a red light could invalidate your hire and reward insurance in case of an accident. It may also breach TfL’s road safety rules and get you points on your licence.
When you see a red light, safely pull over immediately. Turn off the engine and call your PCO hire company. Do not try to diagnose or fix the issue yourself. Your only job is to stop and report.
Amber Warning Lights
An amber or yellow light indicates the car might still drive normally, but the issue needs a professional check soon. Do not panic and stop. But do not ignore it for weeks.
Report it to your car operator promptly. Call them before your next shift to explain the situation. This allows them to schedule a diagnostic check and fix it at a convenient time.
Also Read: Burning Smell While Driving? Here’s What Your Car’s Telling You
Common Warning Lights in Fuel, Hybrid, and Electric Cars
The most common types of dashboard warning lights include:
The Engine Management Light (EML)
This amber engine-shaped light means the car’s computer found an irregularity in the system. The cause could be a simple loose fuel cap or a severe catalytic converter failure.
An active EML usually means the car exceeds its emission limits. If so, you could be liable for daily ULEZ charges (£12.50/day).
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Light
This light looks like a tyre with an exclamation mark. It indicates low air pressure in one or more tyres. A slow puncture or natural air loss over time can cause this. A damaged valve is another cause of low tyre pressure.
If you see this light, complete your current trip. Pull over safely and check all four tyres. If there’s a puncture or low inflation, get it fixed.
Did the light stay on after tyre inflation? If yes, report it to your provider.
Oil Pressure Light
It resembles a red oil can and means that engine oil pressure is critically low. A sudden leak or a blockage in the system could trigger this light. Driving with this light on can damage the engine, so pull over and inform your PCO rental company immediately.
Battery/Charging System Light
A red battery icon means the charging system has failed due to a faulty alternator. The car is running only on the battery. You can drive a petrol or diesel car for a few miles with this light on before everything shuts down.
In hybrids and electric vehicles, this warning is more complex. It can relate to the high-voltage traction battery or might signal a cooling system fault. Regardless of your car type, this light requires prompt attention. Ignoring it can lead to a breakdown and disrupt your entire shift.
The Brake System Light
This red exclamation mark inside a circle has two common triggers. The first is having your handbrake up, while the second is a problem in the braking system.
If the light stays on with your handbrake released, there could be a serious problem. Neglecting this light can compromise your safety, so stop driving immediately and call your PCO service provider for assistance.
Also Read: Why Breakdown Cover Is a Must in Your PCO Car Hire Contract
EV-Specific Warning Indicators
Electric vehicles have some different dashboard symbols. Learn the key indicators and report warnings about the battery thermal management system. This system cools or heats the high-voltage battery. A fault in it affects the battery’s performance and charging.
Report charging port errors immediately to your car hire company. These are usually red and require immediate attention.
Sometimes, your EV may show an incorrect range calculation. It happens when the predicted range doesn’t match your covered range. This problem indicates a possible battery management issue and needs immediate fixing.
Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV?
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Conclusion
Your dashboard keeps you alert to your car’s performance. Responding correctly to the warnings it displays is essential to staying safe and legal. It also protects your earnings from avoidable breakdowns and maintains your standing with your provider.
Being in a PCO car hire contract requires shared responsibility. Although your vehicle provider takes care of servicing and maintenance, you are still responsible for reporting any issues with the car promptly.
So, keep an eye on your car’s dashboard and follow the instructions we mentioned above for a smooth experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a red warning light appears mid-journey?
A red warning light means a serious issue. Safely pull over, stop the engine, and call your PCO rental company immediately. Do not continue driving as it may breach your hire agreement, invalidate insurance, and put passengers at risk.
What should I do if the Engine Management Light stays on?
If the EML remains active after restarting the vehicle, report it to your provider. It often means your emissions are above legal limits, which can expose you to ULEZ charges and potential compliance issues.
Can I continue driving after the tyre pressure warning comes on?
Yes, you can finish your current trip. Then pull over, check all tyres, and inflate the tyres if needed. If the light stays on after inflation, notify your vehicle provider immediately.
Why is the oil pressure light dangerous?
A red oil pressure light means the engine isn’t being lubricated properly. Continuing to drive could cause severe engine damage. So, pull over and call your car hire operator straight away.
How far can I drive with the battery/charging light on?
In petrol and diesel cars, you may only have a few miles before the car shuts down. In EVs and hybrids, the issue may be more complex. In all cases, stop as soon as it is safe and report it to your car provider.
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