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Is it safe to drive with the fuel warning light on?

When your fuel warning light illuminates, it indicates that you only have 10% to 15% of the tank’s capacity remaining. As such, you should aim to get to a petrol station to refuel as soon as possible. But how long can you drive with your fuel warning light on, and is it safe to do so?

The 101 on fuel warning lights

When your fuel warning light comes on, it means your vehicle is running low on fuel – typically, it will have around 10% to 15% of fuel left at this point. When your fuel warning light begins to flash, this indicates that your tank is even emptier, and you need to get to a petrol station pronto.

There’s no one answer for how much fuel is left in a tank when the warning light illuminates. Factors like road conditions, your choice of gear, and tyre pressure can all play a part in the distance you’ll be able to travel when the fuel warning light appears. Different car makes and models will also travel varying distances when the fuel warning light appears.

Can you drive with the fuel warning light on?

Although you can drive with the fuel warning light on, it’s not the best idea to do so. As your fuel level gets low, you’re more likely to cause damage to the fuel filter and pump, as debris from the fuel tank can begin to interfere with their function.

It can also be dangerous to run out of fuel if you’re not in a safe place to do so – and this may even cause accidents if you’re on busy roads like motorways. It’s more sensible to avoid driving long distances on busy roads when your fuel light illuminates, so you can reduce the risk of collisions and accidents.

Consider your fuel warning light as a warning sign that you should refuel your vehicle as soon as possible, rather than driving around whilst it’s illuminated. If your fuel warning light begins to flash, this indicates that you need to refuel immediately or you may grind to a complete halt.

You may feel like the car begins to move in a jerking motion when your fuel levels are low, and the vehicle may struggle to accelerate with its usual speed.

Be aware that more modern car models have a digital fuel readout, which is designed to give drivers an accurate sense of how far they can travel with the current fuel level. However, even these are only indicatory, so it’s still sensible to refuel as soon as possible once the tank begins to empty.

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

3 Reasons Why Airbags are Important

From seatbelts and airbags through to technological safety features like lane assist and cruise control, today’s level of vehicular safety has been achieved through several key advancements.

One of the best known and most widespread safety features in cars are airbags. First developed in the USA in the 1950s, airbags became mainstays in Europe in the 1980s. They are now standard safety features in vehicles globally.

What are airbags and how do they work?

Airbags are inflatable bags that cushion the body of the driver and passenger(s) in the event of a crash.

Despite their name, airbags are actually filled with a chemical compound that reacts to high temperatures. This causes the bag to fill with air, preventing the driver and passenger from hitting the car’s hard surfaces (such as the dashboard and steering wheel), as well as each other.

Vehicles are fitted with collision sensors at various points. When a severe collision is sensed, these sensors release an ignition compound. This sparks a chemical reaction, causing the compound in the airbags (a mix of sodium and nitrogen) to react. The airbag then inflates. This process takes place in a matter of milliseconds.

Once the bags have been inflated, they then deflate immediately. This allows people to leave the car if possible, or for emergency services to access it. As high temperatures are generated during this process, some people may experience minor burns as a result of airbag inflation.

Why are airbags important?

Airbags provide a cushioning effect for the driver and passenger(s). They also reduce the speed at which the body may collide with the vehicle’s dashboard, steering wheel, and other passengers.

The US-based NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) reports that:

From 1987 to 2017, 50,457 lives were saved by frontal airbags.
Airbags in combination with seat belts reduced the risk of death in frontal crashes by 61%. This is compared to a 50% reduction for seatbelts alone, and 34% for airbags alone.
As of 2012, 2,252 lives were saved by side airbags.

Where are airbags located?

The first airbags were located towards the front of the vehicle. They were fitted within the steering wheel and dashboard to protect both the driver and passenger from frontal collisions.

It’s worth knowing that American airbags tend to be larger and inflate faster. This is because they had traditionally been seen as a replacement safety feature for seatbelts, rather than as a feature working in tandem with seatbelts.

However, some vehicles may now have up to nine airbags, depending on the model and make. Alternative airbag locations include:

Knee airbags – Designed to protect the driver and front passenger’s knees from hitting the dashboard.
Foot airbags – Designed to reduce injuries to the lower legs and feet.
Side airbags – Designed to reduce impact for side (lateral) collisions. There are also side torso airbags.
Seatbelt airbags – Released from the seatbelt, across the shoulder and torso.
Curtain airbags – Released from the roof sill downwards, to protect the head and neck.
Centre airbags – Designed to prevent head contact between passengers and drivers, released between the front two seats during a lateral collision.

Do airbags have limitations?

Airbags reduce the damage caused by accidents – but they cannot prevent them. As mentioned above, other injuries (such as minor burns and scrapes) may be sustained as a result of airbag inflation. This is particularly the case for drivers wearing glasses, who may experience facial injuries as a result of airbag deployment.

Airbags should be used with other safety features, such as seatbelts, in order to ensure that all persons within the vehicle are as safe as possible. Airbags are designed to work for drivers and passengers in the correct sitting position. They may not work as effectively if, for example, a passenger is sat with their feet on the dashboard, or if there are objects on the dashboard that impede the airbag’s inflation.

Similarly, airbags are designed for adults. Children are at risk of injury if they are either unbelted or in rear-facing child safety seats in the front passenger seat of a vehicle. They should therefore always be in a car’s backseat if under thirteen years of age or 153cm height.

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

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What are the Most Common Car Dashboard Warnings?

If deciphering your car dashboard warnings feels like a complete mystery, this guide is for you. Symbols like the low petrol light are familiar to most drivers. But what about all those other car dashboard warnings that pop up from time to time? Fortunately, we’re here to help! Read on for a complete guide to the most common warning lights and what to do when they appear on your dashboard.

Colour coded car dashboard warnings

Most car dashboard lights use a colour coded system.

Green

Green lights are good and indicate a system is engaged or working as it should. Nothing to worry about here.

Yellow

Yellow lights are a warning that a system or component isn’t working correctly. You don’t necessarily need to pull over and call a tow truck, but you should take extra care when driving and get your vehicle checked out ASAP.

Red

When you see red car dashboard warnings, it’s best to pull over and switch off your engine as soon as possible. Red lights indicate a serious problem that could quickly escalate if not immediately addressed.

Now you know more about the colour coded system, let’s take a closer look at the most common car dashboard warnings.

Brake warning light

The brake warning light indicates a problem with your parking brake, or your brake fluid levels. Best case scenario, your parking brake is stuck, and you can get rid of the warning light with a quick readjustment. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to get your brake fluid levels checked.

ABS warning light

This light indicates a problem with your anti-lock brake system (ABS). This is a critical safety feature that helps you pull off emergency stops, especially in wet and slippery conditions. Depending on the issue, the ABS car dashboard warning light may be accompanied by the Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) light. If you notice either is lit up, it’s best to reduce your speed, avoid braking suddenly and pull over when safe to do so.

Check engine car dashboard warning light

Also known as the ECU warning light, this symbol could mean anything from a minor issue with an electrical sensor to a serious mechanical failure. You can usually continue to drive with the check engine light on, but it’s best to look into the issue ASAP to stay safe and avoid irreparable damage.

Airbag warning light

This one will light up in red and indicates that your airbag safety system is compromised. Also called the supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning light, it’s not one to be ignored.

Power steering warning light

As the name suggests, this car dashboard warning confirms there’s an issue with your power steering. Sometimes getting it to turn off is as simple as restarting your engine. Other times, you may need to book your car into a service centre for a closer inspection. If there is a serious problem, you’ll probably be able to feel it as you manoeuvre the car. You can still drive with the power steering light on, but you’ll need to be careful as your steering assistance is compromised.

Engine temperature warning light

The dreaded engine temperature warning light is a tell-tale sign that your engine is overheating. Possible reasons include a leak in your coolant system or a more serious issue, such as a blown head gasket. This one is red, which means you should stop your car and turn off the engine as soon as possible. If you continue to drive, you run the risk of seizing the entire engine and causing permanent damage.

Oil warning light

Of all the car dashboard warning lights that can appear, the oil symbol is one of the most common. Best case scenario, your oil is running low and needs to be topped up. This is an easy fix if you’re near a petrol station. You’ll need to act fast as your engine needs lubrication to run. Without it you can quickly cause serious damage. If your oil light comes on again a day or so after topping up your tank, it could indicate a more serious issue like a faulty pump or a leak in the system.

Low tyre pressure warning light

The tyre pressure warning light makes it easy to detect leaks and punctures in the earliest stages. Also known as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), this light detects abnormal drops in pressure. You can still drive with the TPMS light on, though it’s best to reduce your speed and be extra vigilant. Pull into a petrol station, when possible, to top up the air or change your tyre if necessary.

Battery warning light

The battery warning light can be a tricky one as it can mean a few things. Ideally, it’s just a prompt to replace your battery. This usually needs to be done every few years anyway. It could also mean your battery isn’t being charged by the alternator, which may indicate a more serious problem like an overheating engine.

Say goodbye to car dashboard warning lights

Hate the wave of anxiety that comes with car dashboard warning lights? It could be time to upgrade your vehicle. Newer cars simply don’t have the same mechanical issues as older vehicles, meaning you’re far less likely to see your dashboard light up like it’s Guy Fawkes night.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a more reliable car, we’re here to help. Say goodbye to car dashboard warning lights and use our tailored car finance solutions to secure your dream ride. We’ll match your application with a wide range of lenders to unlock the best rates and maximise your chances of success, even if you’re worried about car finance poor credit.

If you’d like to learn more about the services we provide, get in touch with our friendly team on 01246 458 810 or at enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

ABS Airbag battery Brakes Check engine dashboard oil Power steering Warning

What is a Digital Dash – and Is It Worth It?

The car market keeps evolving at an increasingly fast rate. From self-driving vehicles to cars with integrated face recognition, it seems like there’s a brand-new innovation every other week. One of these innovations is the digital dashboard – often abbreviated to digital dash. But what is a digital dash exactly?

Traditionally, car dashboards feature analogue clusters with gauges and lights that convey vital information to the driver. Most classic dashboards include the same things – a fuel gauge, a speedometer, a tachometer, warning and information lights and an odometer. This compact cluster is still an essential component for digital dashboards. So, what has changed?

Digital dashboard vs classic dashboard

Although the Aston Martin Lagonda was the first car to have a truly digital dash in the late 70s, it wasn’t until the 21^st century that digital dashboards became commonplace. Before then, only luxury cars such as the Mercedes S-Class had digital dashboards. But that has changed. These days, you can even fit a classic city car like the Ford Fiesta with a digital dash.

So, what is a digital dash’s main benefit? That’s simple – it’s often completely customisable, meaning that you choose the information you want to see. For example, some digital dashboards include real-time information on a car’s engine, motor and battery. Other drivers prefer to prioritise fuel economy and customise their digital dash so it shows savvy gas-saving tips.

Since you can configure your digital dash to display sat nav instructions, this innovation has made things easier for drivers with a poor sense of direction. Unlike traditional sat navs, this allows drivers to make sure that they’re on the right path without taking their eyes off the road.

Is a digital dash worth it?

In the end, the answer to this question comes down to personal preference. For some drivers, digital dashboards with too much information can be a dangerous distraction. For others, it’s merely a question of looks. Some drivers just happen to prefer the retro feel of a classic dashboard and value that over the convenience of a digital dash.

That being said, a digital dash is a highly recommended add-on if you drive an electric car. In fact, most EVs these days will include a digital dash as the standard option. Why is this? Because, more so than petrol cars, EVs demand drivers to keep an eye on their car’s range and battery consumption at all times. A digital dash can show how many miles you’ve got left and where your nearest charging point is.

So, if you drive an EV, make sure you get a digital dash. It really is a no-brainer.

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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Dashboard Lights Explained: A Complete Guide

bmw steering wheel with dashboard lights explained

We've all been there: a light is flashing away on your dashboard with increasing alarm and you have no idea what it means. There are so many dashboard lights that it's easy to be confused with what they all mean. So, to save you from flicking through your car manual, we’ve got an easy overview for you to get familiar with.

Red dashboard lights

These are the warning lights on your dashboard that you need to be most concerned about. They carry more severe warnings and should be acted upon as soon as possible: either by pulling into your nearest garage or stopping the car and calling a professional.

Oil warning

This warns you that something isn’t right with your oil: its temperature could be too high or its level and pressure could be too low. Oil protects the parts of your engine against friction by lubricating its parts via a pressure pump. If there is something wrong with your oil, you could be in for some expensive engine damage. Not good.

Coolant warning

Your coolant helps to keep your engine’s temperature regulated: without it, your engine would overheat to the point where its components would start to warp. If this light starts flashing, either your engine is overheating or your coolant level is too low. This could be an easy-fix issue or a sign of a bigger problem.

Battery charge warning

This light comes on every time you turn on your engine and will usually turn off a few seconds after. However, if you see this light remains on while you’re driving, there’s normally a problem with your electrical system. This could be a bad connection, a dodgy battery, damaged cabling or a faulty alternator. All of these could cause the car to effectively shut off and break down involuntarily – get it checked.

Brake system warning

Your brakes are one of the most important features of your vehicle. If this light comes on and your handbrake is down, there could be something wrong with your braking system. This could be that the brake fluid level is low or a more serious issue.

Airbag warning

Your airbag is one of the most modern and effective safety features in your vehicle. If this light comes on, there could be a fault with it. Without proper function, your airbag won’t go off in a crash and could cause serious harm to you and your passengers.

Power steering warning

Power steering is the technology behind your steering wheel that allows you to move it with ease. You might not have experienced what it feels like without it, but it’s a lot heavier to turn. This can be very dangerous for some drivers.

Amber dashboard lights

These lights indicate an issue with the engine which will affect the car’s performance and if left unchecked, could cause danger. It’s best to get these looked at sooner rather than later.

Check engine warning

This is a general warning light which indicates that there is something wrong with the engine that can reduce its performance. This could be anything from the ignition to the pistons.

ABS warning

The ABS light refers to the Anti-lock Braking System, which prevents you from skidding during heavy braking. Whilst the normal brake system will be unaffected, you should heed any consistent warning from this light as something could be wrong with your brakes.

Tyre pressure warning

This light indicates that the pressure in your tyres is wrong. If there is no noise from the vehicle and you get out and there is no sign of a flat tyre, you should be okay to drive on (cautiously) until you can check them properly.

The next time you see a symbol flashing away on your dashboard, hopefully, you’ll know what it’s trying to tell you. In any case, a warning light indicates that something isn’t right and you should get it sorted as soon as you can.

Driving in the Rain: 10 Tips for Road Safety

How to Remove Ice from Your Windshield Safely

How to Keep Your Car Warm in Winter

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

car maintenance dashboard driving tips

When your fuel warning light illuminates, it indicates that you only have 10% to 15% of the tank’s capacity remaining. As such, you should aim to get to a petrol station to refuel as soon as possible. But how long can you drive with your fuel warning light on, and is it safe to do so?

The 101 on fuel warning lights

Can you drive with the fuel warning light on?

Upgrade your car with My Car Credit

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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From seatbelts and airbags through to technological safety features like lane assist and cruise control, today’s level of vehicular safety has been achieved through several key advancements.

What are airbags and how do they work?

Why are airbags important?

Where are airbags located?

Do airbags have limitations?

Upgrade your car and benefit from maximum safety

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Related articles

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Good

Fair

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Colour coded car dashboard warnings

Brake warning light

ABS warning light

Check engine car dashboard warning light

Airbag warning light

Power steering warning light

Engine temperature warning light

Oil warning light

Low tyre pressure warning light

Battery warning light

Say goodbye to car dashboard warning lights

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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Digital dashboard vs classic dashboard

Is a digital dash worth it?

Helping you drive the car of your dreams

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Fair

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Red dashboard lights

Oil warning

Coolant warning

Battery charge warning

Brake system warning

Airbag warning

Power steering warning

Amber dashboard lights

Check engine warning

ABS warning

Tyre pressure warning

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