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Driving Tips - Guerin
Dashboard Lights: What They Mean and How to Respond in Each Situation.
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You should never ignore your car’s dashboard lights. They are vital not only for your safety but also for ensuring your vehicle functions properly. These signals aren’t just about maintenance. The meaning behind each colour and key symbol indicates whether it’s a minor warning or a more serious issue. Stay alert to these signals—and remember: with Guerin, you’re never alone on the road.
Most Common Dashboard Lights – Do You Know What They Mean?
The instrument panel serves as the communication hub between driver and vehicle. Dashboard lights inform you about the state of various car systems. Whenever a light turns on, your car is trying to tell you something. Ignoring it could be costly—it might mean the vehicle is already malfunctioning. Here's what some of the main warnings mean:
Oil Warning Light.
This indicates low oil pressure or a lack of oil in the engine. Stop the vehicle immediately and check the oil level. If it’s low, you may top it up. However, do not continue driving with this light on, as it can cause serious engine damage.
Engine Warning Light.
This light signals a fault in the engine management system. It could relate to the injection system or another engine component. If the light is flashing, stop the vehicle. If it's steady, take your car to a garage for diagnostics and repairs. At Guerin, we trust Midas garages —our official partner.
Brake Warning Light.
This could mean the handbrake is engaged or there's a fault in the braking system. Check whether the handbrake is on. If it’s not, stop driving immediately for your own safety.
Battery Warning Light.
This indicates an issue with the battery charging system, such as a faulty alternator or poor connection. Avoid switching off the engine until you reach a mechanic, as you might not be able to restart it.
ABS Warning Light.
This suggests a fault in the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). You can still brake, but without ABS support. To fix the issue, visit a garage. If you're driving a Guerin rental vehicle, maintenance is already included—no need to worry.
What to Do When Dashboard Lights Appear.
Now that you understand the key dashboard light meanings, here’s what you should do if one comes on. Knowing how to act is essential for your safety. And with Guerin's support, you can travel with the reassurance of reliable assistance whenever you need it.
- Read the car’s manual: Understand the exact meaning of each dashboard light.
- Check oil, water and fuel levels: Ensure they're within recommended ranges.
- Stop the vehicle immediately: If the light is red, pull over to identify the issue.
- Find a trusted mechanic: If the problem continues, take your car to a garage.
- Call Guerin customer support: If you're driving one of our vehicles, contact our 24/7 support team or use our digital assistant Guery via our website.
The Difference Between Yellow and Red Dashboard Lights.
- Yellow Lights: Warn you that some components may soon need maintenance. These generally aren’t immediate emergencies.
- Red Lights: Signal serious problems requiring urgent attention, such as low oil or engine overheating. If a red light appears while driving, stop your vehicle immediately.
Guerin: By Your Side on Every Journey and Unexpected Situation.
With your Guerin booking, you’re assured of full travel assistance services. With our Premium Road Assistance, you're covered for minor mishaps like battery issues, lost keys, or because you filled up with the wrong fuel.
This protection add-on also covers towing, on-site assistance, and even more serious situations like accidents where the driver is at fault. With us, you’ll always get:
- 24/7 roadside assistance across the country.
- Rapid vehicle replacement in the event of a breakdown.
- Access to a dedicated support team to help resolve issues quickly.
We also want you to enjoy your time with those who matter most—with less waiting. That’s why you can trust our pioneering reservation service. Our 100% digital process allows you to manage your entire booking via smartphone or the Guerin website.
From booking and personal data to vehicle pick-up and return, we make the rental experience faster and more autonomous. In just 9 minutes, your selected vehicle is ready for the road.
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