With so many different warning signals to remember, it is no surprise that drivers sometimes get confused about how best to respond when a light flashes up on their dashboard. Some signs can be dealt with later, whereas others signal the driver needs to take action right away. And it is key to know the difference.
Thankfully, a mechanic has helpfully explained what to do when one important light switches on, and it is one you will want to take note of, or else you could cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to your car. Unfortunately, not everyone knows about the risk, including one driver who made the costly mistake, prompting the expert to share a warning video.
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Posting to TikTok, @pentagrammotorsport highlighted the importance of stopping your car, as soon as possible, when the oil warning light appears.
And the car lover, who also runs the YouTube channel Pentagram Motorsport, explained why you should not attempt to drive home - as some people do.
Talking as he displayed a photo of a red oil warning light, he claimed: "If you are driving along and that light comes on, stop. Stop the car, turn the engine off, as soon as you can and I mean immediately if possible.
"This light does not mean it is running low on oil, doesn't mean it has run out of oil. It means that it is not getting enough oil pressure, so the oil pump isn't producing oil pressure to lubricate the engine."
He continued: "Oil is the lifeblood of the engine. It needs to be there. You are talking about lots of pieces of moving metal that is very hot, and that will, without the oil, weld themselves together very quickly.
The expert went on to say he had been helping a Land Rover owner who had continued driving home after noticing the warning sign.
"They had just made it home, but it had seemed to get very hot, start making a knocking noise and lose power, and he was just asking what he had to do.
"Basically, what he has to do is a full engine rebuild or put a new engine in the car."
Concluding the video with advice for drivers should they spot the light, he said: "Stop and then don't let it cool and try and restart it. Check your oil level, work out why that light is on.
"This is the one light you can't get away with messing about with."
Unfortunately, the advice came too late for some commenters, who urged others to pay attention after suffering similar problems.
One person wrote: "He ain't joking, i had to get my entire engine replaced coz I thought I could make it home with that light on."
"Yep made this mistake before completely killed the engine," revealed a second.
And another said: "I know somebody who didn’t. Drove home high speed. And engine seized needed a new engine."
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