A dashboard warning light is on: what should you do before calling a garage?

Check the exact symbol in the vehicle handbook. If the vehicle loses power, brakes abnormally, overheats, emits smoke, makes a concerning noise or tells you to stop, pull over as soon as it is safe and seek professional assistance.

A red warning or critical message generally calls for a more urgent response than a routine service reminder. The handbook and vehicle message take priority over general online advice.

Photograph the warning and message only when safely parked. Record mileage, outside temperature, fuel or charge level, when it appeared and what the vehicle was doing.

Do not clear fault codes or disconnect the battery merely to remove the light. That may erase useful diagnostic information without fixing the cause.

Report difficult starting, rough running, reduced power, whether the light flashes or stays on and whether the problem returns. Mention recent changes such as servicing, a battery replacement, refuelling, an impact, repair work or a long period parked.

Provide the make, model, year, powertrain, mileage, a photo of the message and when the vehicle is available. Ask whether you should continue driving, what the first inspection step will be and when the vehicle can be accepted.