FAQs

The most serious dashboard warning lights are typically red and indicate issues that could put your safety—or your engine—at risk. These include the brake system warning light, engine oil pressure warning, coolant temperature warning, and the airbag or SRS warning. If any of these lights appear while driving, you should stop the car as soon as it’s safe and seek professional assistance. Ignoring them can lead to breakdowns, serious damage, or compromised safety systems.

One of the most common reasons for the check engine light to come on is a faulty oxygen sensor, which affects how your engine manages fuel and emissions. Other frequent causes include a loose fuel cap, failing catalytic converter, or issues with ignition coils or spark plugs. While it’s not always serious, the check engine light should never be ignored—an expert diagnostic check will pinpoint the exact cause and prevent bigger problems later.

Yes, some can be reset manually, but if the underlying fault isn’t fixed, the light will return. DIY resets can also mask more serious issues, so professional diagnostics are always recommended.

A car diagnostic service utilises specialised equipment to establish a connection with a vehicle’s onboard computer system. This sophisticated system comprises sensors that meticulously monitor an array of functions, including engine performance, fuel efficiency and, in fact, emissions levels.

Typically, a comprehensive diagnostic test can last anywhere from one hour to 90 minutes. In some cases, additional issues may arise or certain vehicle components may need to be removed prior to conducting the test, which can extend the duration to approximately two to three hours. At the same time, if a problem is detected early on, the diagnostics test may be considerably shorter.

A diagnostic check of your car typically costs between £30* and £100*, depending on the model and make of the vehicle. A car diagnostic test can provide an indication as to why your dashboard lights may be activating.

* Please note: Pricing is an average. Please contact your nearest branch for more information.

A full car diagnostic test can tell you whether any parts or components within your engine are faulty, along with other issues that might be affecting its performance. It can also provide an indication as to why your dashboard lights may be activating.

Once the full car diagnostic test is completed, our technicians will review their findings with you and let you know if there are any repairs that need to be carried out. If the diagnostics test finds no issues, then we will provide a full report of our findings and advise you on how to keep your car running at its best.