eCarService · Driver Academy
Learn what a warning light or worrying symptom may mean, what you can check safely and when you should stop driving.
Knowledge base
89
guides to help you prepare for a conversation with a workshop.
Understand first
Learn the possible cause of a symptom
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Know what to ask during your visit
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Latest guides
Learn about the possible causes first. Choose a location once you are ready to book a visit.
A clear increase in fuel use has many causes — from driving style and tyre pressure to sensor faults or fuel system issues. We explain what to check and what information to give the workshop before computer diagnostics.
Limp mode limits engine power to protect components. Learn the typical symptoms, possible cause groups, when to stop driving and how professional diagnostics proceed.
A brake pad wear warning light or a 'service brakes' message usually does not indicate an immediate failure, but signals that the braking system is approaching a service threshold. In practice it is most often worn pads, sometimes a wear sensor, and in some cars a different issue with fluid level, hoses or the warning electronics.
The DPF warning light, a diesel particulate filter message or a noticeable loss of power after many short trips usually mean the filter has started to fill up or that regeneration has failed. The symptom alone does not yet tell whether it’s just the driving style or also the EGR, the injection system, pressure sensors or the exhaust system itself.
If the handbrake won't hold, sticks or the EPB warning light is on, don't assume a single fault. On cars with an electric parking brake the issue can be the switch, power supply or control unit, or calipers, actuators at the wheels, or the mechanical condition of the brakes.
If the check engine light is on and the car starts to run unevenly at idle, vibrate or sometimes jerk on light throttle, don't assume a single fault. This set of symptoms often fits an EGR issue, a dirty intake, air sensors or a leak in the engine control system…
If a diesel loses coolant and there is a sweet smell, exhaust odour or light white smoke, don't assume a single fault. Those symptoms can fit a leaking EGR cooler, but other cooling, intake or exhaust parts may behave similarly.
If the brake pedal suddenly becomes stiffer and you hear hissing when pressing it, don’t assume a single cause. This combination of symptoms often points to a problem with vacuum-assisted braking, but the source can also be a hose, check valve, vacuum pump or the booster itself.
If the tyre pressure warning light is flashing or stays on, don't assume a single cause. In many cars a steady light simply means too-low pressure in at least one tyre, but flashing for about a minute and then staying on usually indicates a fault in the TPMS or its sensors.
An AdBlue message, engine warning light and a restricted start notice are warnings not to ignore. The car may still run, but usually only for a limited time and without any guarantee it will restart after being switched off.
If the yellow tyre pressure warning light comes on, slow down and find a safe place to stop. Don’t assume a puncture straight away, but don’t ignore the warning. Check the wheels, measure pressure with a tyre gauge and inflate the tyres to the values on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual.
If the yellow ABS, ESP or ASR warning light is on, it usually means reduced operation of the systems that assist braking and stabilising the vehicle's course. You can often drive carefully to a workshop, but keep speed down and increase following distance.
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