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The Dashboard Lights You Should Never Ignore

Picture the scene: you're driving along as normal, everything is fine, when suddenly a warning light appears on your dashboard.

What do you do? Ignore it and hope it disappears? Panic? Or try to figure out what your car is trying to tell you?

Dashboard symbols can vary between brands and models, so your owner’s manual should always be your first reference. International standards do, however, ensure that many warning symbols are recognisable across different makes.

Here are five key warnings every driver should be familiar with on their dashboard:

1. Oil pressure warning

Usually represented by an oil-can symbol.

Low oil pressure can put your engine at risk of serious damage. If the warning appears while driving, pull over safely, switch off the engine, and check the oil level. If required, consult the owner's manual and call for roadside assistance.

2. Engine temperature warning

Generally, displayed as a thermometer with wavy lines underneath.

This may indicate that your engine is overheating, and continuing to drive can quickly cause serious damage. Pull over safely and switch off the engine. Allow the car to cool before opening the radiator cap to check the coolant, and, if necessary, consult the owner's manual and call for roadside assistance.

3. Brake system warning

Often displayed as an exclamation mark inside a circle or a brake-related symbol.

A red warning light can illuminate if your parking brake is on, but if it remains engaged after you release it, it could signal low brake fluid or a hydraulic issue. Stop driving, check the owner's manual, and if necessary, call for roadside assistance and get the system checked immediately.

An amber brake system warning light can be an indication of an ABS (Anti-lock braking system) issue or brake pad wear. It doesn’t mean your brakes will fail immediately, but it does signal a fault that needs to be looked at as soon as possible.

4. Battery or charging-system warning

The battery system warning light usually appears as a rectangle with a plus (+) and minus (–) sign, resembling a traditional car battery.

This symbol doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new battery. It can signal a fault in the vehicle’s charging system, such as the alternator, wiring, or voltage regulator. Consult the owner's manual and take the car to a garage to have it checked out straight away.

5. Engine malfunction or "check engine" warning

Usually in the shape of an engine.

Not every 'check engine' light means you need to stop immediately, but it should never be ignored.

A steady 'check engine' light means you should book a garage visit promptly.

But if it flashes or occurs together with poor performance, an unusual noise, smoke or other warning lights, stop driving, consult the owner's manual and call for roadside assistance.

Motor Warranties

Because the appearance and required response to a warning light can vary by vehicle, the owner's manual remains the definitive guide for each car.

And when a warning light turns out to be something serious, the repair could involve mechanical or electrical components.

A motor warranty from The Unlimited covers specified vehicle parts affected by mechanical or electrical failure, subject to the plan selected and its terms and conditions.

Know what your dashboard is telling you — and learn more about cover available for eligible mechanical and electrical failures.

Interested in motor warranty?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not mechanical, safety or financial advice. Always follow your vehicle manufacturer's instructions and seek qualified assistance where necessary. Motor Warranty benefits, limits, exclusions, eligibility requirements and terms and conditions apply. The Unlimited Group (Pty) Ltd is an authorized Financial Services Provider (FSP 21473). Insurance benefits are underwritten by Dotsure Limited (Registration number 2006/000723/06), a licensed non-life insurer and authorized financial services provider (FSP 39925).

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When buying a car, colour often comes down to personal taste. But the shade you choose can influence more than just how your car looks in the driveway.

From visibility and comfort to maintenance, long-term appearance and resale appeal, colour can play a bigger role in ownership than many drivers realise.

Here’s why it matters...

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As vehicles get older, unexpected mechanical issues and repair costs can become more common. Warning lights, unusual sounds or repeated workshop visits are often early signs that additional protection may be worth considering.

While not every driver will need extra cover immediately, there are certain signs that it may be time to consider a motor warranty or an extended warranty solution...

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One minute you’re driving to work, fetching the kids or running errands. The next, your car’s at the workshop needing a major repair, with a quote you weren’t expecting.

For those of us with a Motor Warranty, that’s usually the moment they breathe a sigh of relief and expect their cover to kick in. But when a claim’s rejected, the shock and frustration are real, especially when motorists don’t understand why the cover didn’t apply...

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For most South African car owners, this question arrives without much warning. One month your car is covered for unexpected mechanical failures at no extra cost. The next month, you are carrying that risk entirely on your own. Whether getting a motor warranty is worth it comes down to three things: what your car is likely to cost you without cover, what cover actually includes, and whether your finances can absorb a worst-case repair bill.

This guide walks through both sides of the decision so you can make a call that fits your situation...

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A sudden accident. A breakdown. Unexpected damage to your car. A medical bill you didn't see coming.

These moments can change life quickly, and being unprepared can make them even harder...

Motor Warranty vs Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

If you've searched for "motor warranty vs mechanical breakdown insurance," you're not alone. These two terms cause more confusion than almost anything else in the South African motor finance world. Here's the short answer: in most cases, they refer to the same type of product. The AA's own Mechanical Breakdown Insurance policy states outright that it "is also commonly known as a warranty policy."

So if the names mean the same thing, what should you actually be looking out for? The distinction that matters is not what the product is called. It is whether your cover is backed by a registered insurer or is simply a contract with a dealer.

That single difference determines your legal protection, your recourse when a claim is rejected, and whether anyone is regulating the company holding your money...

Get the help you need

Got a question? From SIM card queries to death cover and how to claim, we’ve got the answers. And, if we don’t, we’ll get them for you. Just scroll down for answers to the FAQs.

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0861 990 000

Emergencies | Customer Care | Claims