Have you ever seen strange lights in the car?
There's an increasing number of dashboard warning lights around to confuse motorists.
The AA say they attend 17,000 warning light-related calls a month - including almost 5,000 with a dreaded red light.
A red warning lights means you should stop as soon as possible in a safe place.
An AA spokesman said the warning light call outs peak in March and September following people picking up their newly registered cars.
An AA-Populus survey of more than 20,000 AA members found that 53% of drivers would stop to consult their handbook if a red warning light came on, while 26% would call their breakdown provider for assistance.
Men are more likely (9% men v 6% women) to turn the ignition off and on in the hope that the light clears, while women are more likely to phone a friend or family member for advice (2% men v 13% women).
Max Holdstock, AA patrol of the year, says: “We often find that used cars don’t have a handbook and even if there is one many drivers never look at it. The AA app is a quicker and smarter way for drivers to check what their warning lights mean.
“Although most warning light symbols are standardised, many are not, and with some car dashboards resembling the Starship Enterprise, it’s no wonder that some drivers are left bewildered. If it’s a new vehicle, it’s often that they’re not familiar with a warning light; and, if it’s a second-hand car, sometimes because the handbook is missing.
How well do you know your dashboard warning lights? There are 10 questions below - how will you fare?
“As a rule, red warning lights indicate a potentially serious problem, so stop the car as soon as it’s safe; and amber or yellow mean it’s ok to proceed but some action – servicing or repair – is required, so you should contact a garage as soon as possible.
“The free AA app or your car’s handbook can help decipher the warning light hieroglyphs, potentially preventing the cost and headache of a breakdown but, if you’re in any doubt, call for assistance.”
