Jargon Buster

• What does the engine management light mean?

  It means the engine management system has spotted something wrong - not what the problem actually is.

• What does the tyre pressure warning light mean?

  One or more tyres is significantly under-pressure - it usually won't tell you which one.

• What does the oil pressure warning light mean?

  One of the more serious lights - it means the engine may not be getting properly lubricated.

• What does the battery warning light mean?

  The charging system (usually the alternator) isn't topping the battery up - the car is running on borrowed time.

• What does the brake warning light mean?

  Usually just the handbrake, but it can also mean low brake fluid or a genuine fault - worth checking which.

• What does the DPF warning light mean?

  The diesel particulate filter is clogging with soot - short journeys are the usual cause.

• What does the airbag warning light mean?

  A genuine safety-critical fault: the airbags may not deploy correctly in a crash while this is on.

• What does the coolant temperature warning light mean?

  The engine is overheating - continuing to drive risks serious, expensive damage.

• What does the ABS warning light mean?

  Normal braking still works, but you lose the anti-lock function that stops wheels skidding.

• What's the difference between a red, amber and green warning light?

  Red means stop and check now, amber means get it looked at soon, green or blue is just information.