Car advice

Warning lights and car problems, explained

Straight answers to the things that worry drivers: what a warning light means, whether it's safe to keep going, and what it usually takes to fix. When you want it looked at, we come to you across Soham, Ely, Newmarket and Cambridgeshire.

Check engine light on? What it means and what to do

The check engine light means the car has stored a fault in the engine or emissions system.

Read more

Engine management light on? What it means and what to do

The engine management light means the car's computer has logged a fault somewhere in the engine or emissions system.

Read more

Dashboard warning lights explained: what each one means

The quick rule is colour.

Read more

Battery warning light on while driving? What it means

That red battery light coming on while the engine is running almost never means a flat battery on its own.

Read more

DPF light on? What it means and what to do

The DPF light means the diesel particulate filter in your exhaust is getting clogged with soot and needs to burn it off.

Read more

Car won't start? Common causes and what to do

The first thing to work out is whether the engine turns over.

Read more

Why are my brakes squeaking? Causes and what to do

A squeak or squeal when you brake is most often the wear indicator on the pads telling you they're getting low, so it usually means a pad change is due soon.

Read more

Brakes grinding? What it means and what to do

A grinding, metal-on-metal noise when you brake usually means the pads have worn right down to their metal backing and are now cutting into the discs.

Read more

Brake judder or a vibration when braking? Causes and fixes

A judder or vibration that comes on when you brake is nearly always warped or unevenly worn discs, so the pads grab a thick spot then a thin spot as the disc turns.

Read more

How to tell if your brake pads need changing

The clearest signs are a squeal when you brake, a thin sliver of pad you can see through the wheel, and the car taking longer to stop.

Read more

How often should you service your car?

As a rule of thumb, most cars need a full service once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Read more
Get my free quote