MOTRIO BLOG

As environmental concerns continue to rise understanding what a low emission vehicle is and ensuring that your vehicle complies with emission standards is more important than ever.

In this article, we'll explore the definition of low emission vehicles, how to perform a low emission car check, and the role of technologies like AdBlue in helping diesel vehicles meet modern emission standards.

Definition of Low Emission Vehicles? 

A low emission vehicle or LEV is a vehicle that produces fewer emissions that the average models on the road. Particularly, these vehicles release fewer pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Contrary to popular belief, lower emission vehicles include electric cars, hybrids, and even certain diesel and petrol cars. To establish if a vehicle is low emission they are ranked on a scale from extremely high and extremely low, with fully electric cars being the lowest possible.

Many cities nowadays have designated areas in which vehicles that do not meet certain emission standards are not allowed to enter, these are knows as Low Emission Zones (LEZ). Moreover, major cities such as London have introduced Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), where only vehicles that meet strict emission standards, such as Euro 6 for diesel and Euro 4 for petrol, can enter without being charged.

These two standards were introduced by the European Union to reduce pollutants from vehicles. Euro 6, introduced in 2015, applies to diesel vehicles and requires diesel cars to emit no more than 80 mg/km of NOx. Euro 4, introduced in 2005, applies to petrol vehicles and focuses on reducing emissions like carbon monoxide (CO) and NOx, setting a limit of 80 mg/km for NOx. 

Low Emission Car Check: Is Your Vehicle Compliant? 

It is recommended that you check your vehicle is LEZ or ULEZ compliant to ensure you are within the regulations and avoid any fines.

The rules can vary from one local authority to another, so it is best to check your compliance in your local area and if you are planning a journey to another city with LEZ & ULEZ zones.

Local authorities, such as London offer a simple online tool that uses your vehicle registration.

Benefits of AdBlue for Reducing Emissions

AdBlue is a solution introduced by car manufacturers to reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are harmful to the environment. Since 2015, with stricter environmental regulations, existing technologies like EGR alone were no longer sufficient. AdBlue, a urea-based additive, is used in SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems to break down NOx into harmless nitrogen and water vapor, reducing pollution without sacrificing engine performance.

It’s important to regularly refill AdBlue to avoid engine shutdown. If the tank runs empty, the vehicle won’t start, so it’s essential to monitor levels and refill at designated stations or with special containers. Also, be cautious of accidental spills on the car’s bodywork, as AdBlue becomes solid at room temperature and could cause damage if not cleaned promptly.

This solution is now a key step in making diesel engines more eco-friendly, helping to reduce emissions in line with European regulations.

For vehicle owners looking to reduce emissions and maintain their car's performance, MOTRIO offers a range of services and products which ensure your vehicle continues to operate efficiently while meeting modern environmental standards.

Car belts are an essential part of your vehicle as they ensure that the various components of the engine work seamlessly. Without belts, your car might break down and face major mechanical issues, leading to costly repairs. Understanding the types of belts and their roles in keeping your vehicle functioning smoothly can help you maintain your car's performance.

Types of Belts in a Car: Accessory, Timing, and More

There are several important belts within a car engine, all serving a specific purpose. These include:

Accessory Belt: This is a single, continuous belt that controls multiple parts of the engine, such as the alternator and air conditioning compressor. Thanks to the accessory belt, multiple systems can be driven at once.

Timing Belt (sometimes referred to as a cam belt): The timing belt synchronizes the movement of the engine’s camshaft and crankshaft, ensuring proper timing of the engine's valves and pistons. A broken timing belt can lead to severe engine damage.

Drive Belts: These types of belts are often found in older vehicles and are individual belts for each system, such as the water pump or alternator. Nowadays, they have been replaced by the accessory belt.

What is an Accessory Belt and How Does it Work? 

An accessory belt is essential for transferring power to critical vehicle components. Thanks to the smooth operation of this belt, all these components run efficiently and in sync.

When the engine is running, the accessory belt moves continuously, ensuring that each of these systems operates effectively. Without a properly functioning accessory belt, you may experience battery issues or overheating. That's why regular inspections, at service centres such as Motrio, are essential to avoid sudden breakdowns.

Common Signs Your Belt Needs Replacement

Over time, belts naturally wear down and need to be replaced. Luckily, there are many signs to watch out for before it’s too late.

One of the most noticeable is hearing strange noises, particularly a squealing noise when you start the car or turn on the air conditioning. A high-pitched sound could mean that the belt is slipping or worn out and struggling to do its job properly.

Belts, especially those made of rubber, tend to degrade over time, particularly if exposed to high heat. If you spot any cracks or frayed edges, it’s a good idea to get the belt replaced.

For the timing belt, signs that it needs replacement include a squealing or a ticking noise coming from the engine. 

Finally, the most obvious signs to look out for are the loss of power to a certain system and your dashboard warning lights. 

Car suspension is a critical part of your vehicle, ensuring that your tires remain in contact with the road and your wheels stay aligned. The primary goal of car suspension is to provide a smooth and safe ride.

That is why it is extremely important to know the symptoms of car suspension problems, how they can be resolved, and how they can be prevented. In this article, we will explore all these topics so you will always be prepared if your car suspension suddenly fails you.

 Symptoms of Bad Suspension

There are several telltale signs when diagnosing car suspension problems. One of the most common bad suspension symptoms, for example, is realising that one corner of tour car seems to be a lot lower than the other. 

Another common bad suspension symptom that might go unnoticed is if your shock absorbers are extremely greasy or oily. If by looking at you shock absorbers, you see that they look too oily then there is a good probability that they are leaking fluid and therefore will not work optimally.

Car Suspension Creaking

A squeaking car suspension can be a warning sing that something is wrong with your vehicle. This could be caused by worn out components that are rubbing together due to insufficient lubrication or deteriorated parts. If a car suspension is creaking it is crucial that you address the issue immediately. Ignoring these sounds can potentially lead to more problems such as uneven tire wear and a failure of the entire suspension system.

Excessive Bouncing or Swerving

The most obvious sign that there are suspension problems is the unnecessary swerving of your vehicle. If you notice that your car pulls from one side to the other when driving, then there probably is a car suspension problem. 

Also, since one of the main roles of the suspension is to ensure a smooth ride, if you start to feel more and more bumps, that is a clear sign that your car suspension needs to be checked.

What Causes Car Suspension Problems

Knowing what is causing your car suspension problems is crucial to take preventative measures against this issue. Apart for the regular wear and tear of car suspensions, which can’t be avoided, many of what causes car suspension problems can easily be solved by being more careful and mindful. For example, a common reason for car suspension breakdown is simply neglecting regular maintenance. Often drivers do not remember or do feel that regular maintenance is necessary and that is when car suspension problems they could be prevented occur. 

Another instance of an avoidable problem is driving habits. Driving habits have a very serious impact on possible car suspension problems, aggressive driving for example can affect the overall integrity of the car. Driving too fast, speeding over bumps or suddenly braking can accelerate the wear and tear of a car and ultimately lead to car suspension problems.

Solutions for Car Suspension Problems

Since your car suspension is an essential part of what keeps you and others safe on the road, it is crucial to know what to do when you encounter car suspension problems. Driving with a worn suspension can cause serious damage to your car and present significant safety risks.

If any part of your suspension fails or if you start noticing bad suspension symptoms, you need to take immediate action. The first step is to take your car to a service centre, where it can be diagnosed, and the necessary components can be determined for replacement or repair. Once a licensed expert has evaluated the problem and fixed it, it is important to take preventive action, as discussed in the previous paragraph, to ensure the problem does not happen again.

A car air conditioning system is crucial for comfort especially during the summer months, when dealing with hotter weather. This is why, car regassing is an important part of your vehicle regular maintenance.

In this article we will detail what is car regassing, why is it needed and how to tell if your car needs regassing.

Signs Your Car Needs Regassing

There are many signs that your car needs regassing its aircon, with the most obvious being reduced performance in your air conditioning system. If the air blowing from the vents in your car is not as cold as it used to be, it might be due to the car’s refrigerant levels. 

Another sign could be unusual noises or bad odours coming from the vents. In the first case, if your car needs regassing the aircon, you might hear strange noises such as bubbling or hissing when the aircon is on. As for the bad odours, if the refrigerant levels are low, it is likely that the air vents will emit a foul smell, which can be caused by the buildup of bacteria or even mould.

Why Regular Regassing is Important

Regular car aircon recharge is very important to maintain your car’s air conditioning system in optimal condition. Ensuring that the refrigerant levels are adequate will help the aircon system operate more efficiently. 

Also, if you run an aircon system with low refrigerant levels, the car’s compressor might be overworked, potentially causing very costly damage to your vehicle. Finally, having a properly functioning air conditioning system will consume less energy, which can help with fuel consumption.

Benefits of Professional Regassing

Even though some car owners might consider attempting a DIY regassing, it is always recommended to seek professional help. Professional air con recharge, such as that offered by MOTRIO service centres, ensures that the job is done correctly and safely.

By going to a professional service centre for your car regassing needs, you can be assured that trained technicians will diagnose your vehicle, identifying all the issues with your aircon, such as leaks, checking for worn-out components, and ensuring that the system is working correctly. 

Moreover, through a professional inspection, your aircon will be fully checked, helping identify all potential issues before they become a major problem. Additionally, professional service centres are equipped with the right tools to handle refrigerants safely. Using makeshift tools and improper handling of refrigerants can be dangerous and environmentally harmful.

Preventative Maintenance Tips for Your Car’s Aircon System

To keep your car’s aircon in good shape and avoid the need for car regassing, there are a few maintenance tips you can follow.

First of all, even in the cooler months, you should run your aircon for a few minutes every week to maintain the system’s seals and prevent them from drying out. Also, always remember to clean or replace the cabin air filter, as a clogged air filter will significantly impact airflow and cooling efficiency.

Finally, the best way to maintain a healthy vehicle and avoid having to regas your car is to have regular checks and inspections by professionals, such as those at MOTRIO service centres, to identify potential issues early and keep your car running smoothly.

According to a UK research, in 2016 1 out of 9 in all road deaths was caused due to poor weather conditions, specifically due to not slowing down on wet roads.

Wet roads and driving in the rain can be extremely dangerous even for the most skilled driver. Due to the reduced visibility and the risk of hydroplaning it is crucial that every driver knows what they should do when driving in the rain, what the most common issues they might face are and how to handle and prevent them. 

Car Maintenance for Rainy Weather

If you find yourself stuck driving in heavy rain with a car issue that needs to be checked, you should never be caught unprepared. Proper car maintenance is vital to make sure your vehicle is safe to travel on less then optimal weather. Before leaving, you should always make sure your car is in perfect shape and ready to face the wet roads. 

Whilst you’re on the road, if your car stops or breaks down for an unknown reason and needs to be checked immediately, you should always have the location of a trusted service centre. Knowing where to go for help in case of a car malfunction can provide a peace of mind when travelling and quick assistance. 

Key issues when driving in the rain

To ensure safety when driving in the rain, it is important to know the most common issues you might face in stormy weather. The weather can change from bright sunshine to rain in a matter of seconds, so it's best to be prepared. 

Generally, when driving in the rain, the main issues are compromised visibility and wet, slippery roads. These key factors could ultimately lead to an accident, as all other drivers will be faced with the same challenges. Therefore, the most important thing to do when driving in the rain is to be careful when driving in rain and to stop if deemed necessary.

Checking Wiper Blades

Your most trusted companion when driving in heavy rain is undoubtedly your wiper blades. These are essential for ensuring you can see the full extent of the road, even during a downpour, which is why they should always be checked if you are expecting rain. 

Common problems with wiper blades include them not moving properly due to a failed wiper motor, which can impair your visibility. It is advisable to always check that the fluid is correctly spraying from the nozzles, as wiper blade fluid can sometimes get stuck due to clogged nozzles or can simply be missing due to an empty reservoir. Wiper blades can also become torn or deteriorated due to poor car maintenance or simply over time; in this case, you will notice smearing or shuttering blades. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your wiper blades is crucial for safe driving in rainy conditions. In general, it’s advisable to change wiper blades every 6-12 months.

Inspecting Brake System

Bad weather conditions can impact the brake system in ways that might damage your vehicle and put you at risk. For example, moisture from driving in the rain can enter the brake system, specifically the area between the brake rotors and pads, which, if not removed promptly, could lead to rusting. 

Moisture can cause several more issues; when driving on wet roads, moisture and rust can prevent you from braking quickly by reducing the friction between brake pads and rotors. This issue could result in not being able to stop when necessary, making your vehicle a danger to you and the rest of the road users. Proper maintenance and preventive measures are essential to ensure your brake system remains effective in all weather conditions.

Essential Tips for Driving in Rain

There is no “how to drive in heavy rain guide”, however being prepared for wet weather conditions is essential, especially in the UK, where it rains 133 days out of 365. When you find yourself driving in rain or during a heavy storm, you should always adjust your speed. In harsh weather conditions, it is very easy to lose control, even for the most experienced driver. Driving slower will reduce your chances of swerving outside your lane and help maintain control. 

As mentioned above, humidity can damage brakes and reduce their effectiveness, which is why, especially in the rain, you should always leave more space between your car and the vehicle in front of you to allow for longer braking distances. 

Finally, the most important advice of all is to regulate your speed and stop if you are driving under very heavy rain that is making it unsafe for you to continue.

The MOT test, or Ministry of Transport test, is an essential part of vehicle ownership in the UK, ensuring that all the UK registered vehicles are safe and meet the necessary environmental requirements.

A well-maintained vehicle is essential for safety, and one of the key ways to ensure this is through the regular MOT test.

Importance of a MOT Test 

The MOT test is a legally required inspection in the UK, aimed at maintaining road safety and reducing accidents caused by vehicle defects as much as possible.

During an MOT test, all potential issues with components such as brakes, lights, steering, and suspension are checked to ensure complete safety when you drive.

Being a legal requirement in the UK means that if you drive without an MOT test certificate, it may result in a fine, penalty, or even your vehicle being impounded. Additionally, without an MOT test certificate, it is often impossible to obtain vehicle insurance.

How to check your MOT Test status 

If you buy a new car, the MOT test should be done by its third year of registration and then annually after that.

The first thing to do when checking your MOT test status is to take note of your vehicle registration number and the last 11 digits of your vehicle’s V5C logbook. The V5C logbook is the vehicle registration document issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK.

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you can check the status of the MOT test using the online tool provided by the UK government. After completing the questionnaire, you will be able to see your MOT test history, including its expiry date and the date of your current certification, if you have one.

Where to get the MOT Test Certificate 

To have your car tested for an MOT inspection, you will need to visit an authorized MOT centre. These locations, such as the Motrio service centres, are regulated and approved by the DVSA and are fully equipped to carry out the inspection and issue the MOT test certificate. 

Once your car passes the test, you will instantly receive an MOT test certificate as proof of your vehicle's safety and current condition. This document will be required in case of accidents, when obtaining or renewing insurance, and when selling the vehicle.

MOT Test Checklist

To prepare for the MOT test, it's useful to be aware of the key areas that will be inspected and have an MOT test checklist to consult if needed:

·      Brakes: The brakes are one of the most important parts of your car. The MOT test will check their condition and functionality, including the brake pads and handbrake.

·      Lights: During an MOT test, all lights must be working correctly and will be checked. The test also checks the alignment of the headlights to ensure they are not dangerous to other drivers.

·      Tyres and Wheels: The condition and tyre depth are checked, ensuring that your tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm and are free of cuts or any other damage.

·      Suspension and Steering: The wear and tear of the suspension and steering systems are checked, including components such as shock absorbers, to ensure the steering is responsive.

·      Exhaust and Emissions: The exhaust system must be free from leaks, and the vehicle must meet environmental standards to pass the MOT test.

·     Bodywork: The structure of the vehicle is checked for any signs of damage or corrosion.

What to do if your Vehicle Fails the MOT Test 

If your car does not pass the MOT test, you will be given a VT30 certificate, which details all the reasons why your car has failed the test. To be able to drive your vehicle legally, you will need to fix all of these issues.

Depending on the severity of the issues, you may be allowed to drive your car from one place to a repair shop or to another MOT test centre. If your vehicle fails the MOT test or if your certificate has expired, it is illegal to drive the vehicle anywhere except to a pre-booked repair or test.

Some of the most interesting news on the world of cars concern precisely tyres: how can a tyre withstand 100 times its weight without bursting? Why does the tread have grooves? Have tyres always been black?

Here are 8 interesting facts on tyres that perhaps you did not know, and a few tricks to make them last longer.

CONTENTS

 8 unmissable, interesting facts on tyres

1. What is it that really holds a car up?
2. Have tyres always been black?
3. Why are there grooves in the tread?
4. How can I understand whether the tread is worn or not?
5. Spelling: is it “tire” or “tyre”?
6. The biggest tyre in the world
7. Artillery tyres: in the 1900’s, they were not just for soldiers
8. Lego and tyres: what’s the connection?

Tyre maintenance: here’s how to make them last longer

1. Keeping tyres in top condition
2. Tyre balancing
3. Valves
4. Choosing the right tyres for the season

What really holds the car up?

The belief that the whole weight of our car is held up by the tyres alone is a misconception: what actually holds the car up is the air filling the tyres. We only become aware of this detail when a puncture happens: with no air, our tyre is unusable.

Have tyres always been black?

Definitely not. Here is one of the 8 interesting facts on tyres that you probably did not know: in the beginning, tyres were made of natural rubber, which is white. However, the material did not ensure good resistance: therefore, it was decided to add carbon black (or lamp black), a pigment consisting of particular aggregates of carbon atoms obtained from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, so as to improve its performance.

Initially only used for the tread, wholly black tyres were then deemed to look neater and more elegant than two-colour ones, so the previous black-white combination was replaced by total black.

Bonus fact: the idea for black tyres originated at Binney & Smith, the founders of Crayola, best known for its crayons.

Why are there grooves in the tread?

The purpose of grooves is to increase friction on tarmac, which affects maximum acceleration and braking space. Their “texture” is also important: in wet conditions, the layer of water that forms between the tyres and the ground significantly reduces grip, the purpose of the grooves is therefore to drain away the accumulated water, preventing the aquaplaning effect.

How can I understand whether the tread is worn or not?

Precisely thanks to the grooves: by using a depth gauge, which is inserted into the grooves and measures the depth in millimetres, we can check the tread depth, the legal limit of which is 1.6 mm, measurable at any point of the tread.

Spelling: is it “tire” or “tyre”?

Among the 8 interesting facts on tyres, is the fact that, although many car parts have entirely different names on the two sides of the Atlantic, such as boot-trunk, bonnet-hood etc., tyre is pronounced the same way in both British and American English.

However, the Brits have retained the little spelling quirk that probably dates back to the 15th or 16th century, possibly originating from the word “attyre”, referring to the need to dress wheels to increase grip.

Whereas Americans, with their penchant for simplifying things, just opted for spelling the word the way it’s pronounced. The spelling tyre is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and most current and former Commonwealth nations. So whether you choose to write “tyre” or “tire” depends on which side of the pond you are on.

The biggest tyre in the world

What if we told you that there is a huge tyre, weighing 12 tonnes, 243 metres high, would you believe it?

No, it’s not the tyre of a giant’s car, nor is it a hoax: the largest tyre in the world is at Allen Park in Michigan, USA. It is called “Giant tire” (see above) owing to its “modest” size, and it was presented to the public at the 1965 World Fair as a Ferris wheel.

Artillery tyres: in the 1900’s, they were not just for soldiers

You got that right: until one century ago, the first cars were fitted with the so-called “artillery wheels”, which had the same hub as cannon wheels. The tyres were indeed entirely attached to the wheel, and they could not be taken off the hub. A detail that meant replacements were expensive and complicated, to say the least!

Lego and tyres: what’s the connection?

The last from the 8 interesting facts on tyres, is perhaps also the “strangest” one: there are many tyre manufacturers worldwide, and some brands are definitely well-known. A household name, however, stands out in this extremely long list, although it is well-known for another type of product: Lego, precisely. The well-known Danish manufacturer of colourful toy bricks started as a tyre manufacturer in the 1960’s, and over time it managed to be ranked among the top tyre manufacturers worldwide!

Tyre maintenance: here’s how to make them last longer

Lego, crayons and cannon tyres aside, how can we ensure tyres last longer?

When were our tyres produced? How often must they be replaced? How can we become aware of a problem? Where do I find the proper pressure reading to make sure it’s fine? 

These are some of the questions that even the most experienced motorists struggle to answer.

Tyres are an essential part of a car, and road safety, consumption and car performance all depend on their condition. What is more, if the tread is particularly worn, you run the risk of being fined or even of the car being seized.

There are some checks than one can perform on one’s own: to see the tyre’s age, for instance, just check the date of manufacturing, always printed on the tyre shoulder, consisting of four digits. The first two digits indicate the week and the last two the year of manufacture (e.g.: 1417 means manufactured during the 14th week of 2017).

Checking the tyre pressure and the thickness of the tread, which we have already mentioned, are also simple operations, which any motorist can perform on their own.

To measure the degree of wear, there is also a really simple method: just take a 1 Euro coin for summer tyres, and a 2 Euro one for winter tyres. In both cases, the outer crown must not protrude from the tread outline.

The same quick check can be performed by looking at the markers sunk into the groove. Looking at the tyres every now and then will allow you to catch any abnormalities such as cuts or bumps caused by sharp-edged potholes or by hitting the pavement while manoeuvring. In these cases, replacing the tyres (two per axle) is the only recommended solution.

However, limiting tyre wear is possible. How? Through frequent maintenance and checks.

And above all, by following some smart hints: let’s look at them.

Keeping tyres in top condition

A check of your car, even just visual, might be all you need to bring to light any critical issues, as we have seen. First of all, tyre pressure: lower pressure than required, in addition to significantly increasing consumption and accelerating the tyre wearing process, also jeopardises the safety of the people travelling in the car. Expert help is also needed to check that the car is balanced and to ensure that one of the four tyres is not excessively strained. In this connection, it is strongly recommended to periodically invert the tyres, in order to limit tread wear.

The driving style is also important: sudden braking, excessive speeds, speeding around bends and roundabouts, incorrectly calibrated accelerating wear tyres quickly.

Wheel alignment

Tyre balance must be checked at least every 10,000 km in the case of normal use of the vehicle, every 5,000 km with sports cars. A first check of the alignment of the wheels can be carried out in total autonomy: just take your hands off the steering wheel and travel a few dozens metres on a straight and flat road, checking that the vehicle travels in a straight line. Otherwise, it is recommended to contact a specialist as soon as possible.

Valves

Together with the tyres, it is essential to also replace the valves. While driving, they undergo significant stress which, in the long term, may cause them to malfunction. To prevent any snags, their condition should be checked regularly.

Choosing the right tyres for the season

Using winter tyres in the summer increases exponentially the car’s consumptions and may lead to faster wear of the tread: that is why you should choose the right tyres for the season. Ordinarily, the suggestion is to change them twice a year. Should that not be possible, a useful compromise is to opt for 4-season tyres.

Also using summer tyres in winter exposes you to great risks, because grip might be too low. Furthermore, a summer tyre used in cold winter weather risks being damaged very quickly. The compound of summer tyres subjected to low temperatures becomes indeed very stiff and this not only decreases grip, but also exposes the tread pattern to the risk of tearing and flaking.

In these cases, the warranty might even be voided; indeed, this would be tantamount to misuse, which would mean any damage would not be covered. The tread might be damaged even if there is no snow; indeed, all it takes is for the temperature to be very low.

Finally, the loss of grip is obviously considerable under snowy conditions, but even in case of rain, situations that could cause road accidents.

In other words, tyres are a crucial aspect of driving and should be constantly checked and looked after. 

MOTRIO TIPS & TRICKS 

TYRES

Tyres play a crucial role in your safety at the wheel because they are the only point of contact between you and the road. They deteriorate with time and with the mileage travelled as well as due to the road conditions and to each motorist’s driving style.

OUR ADVICE

The two aspects to be periodically monitored are the inflation pressure and the thickness of the tread, the legal minimum of which for car tyres in Europe is 1.6 mm. If you use your car often, especially in cities where it is easier for the tread to get worn, visit one of our MOTRIO Service Center, our technicians will perform a visual inspection of your tyres and they will check the depth of the tread. For safe tyres, they must be replaced every 40,000km or every 5 years.

The new MOTRIO Fairway tyre is produced in Europe, it ensures safe driving under all weather conditions and is produced in the three versions:

Summer - Winter - All seasons

Main features:

· 51 items available

· Environmentally-sustainable: low fuel consumption and low rolling resistance

· Dimensions from 13 to 20 inches

Make an appointment at the nearest MOTRIO Service Centre, all it takes is a few clicks!

Has a warning light lit up on the dashboard of your car, and you have no idea what it means? Don’t panic! Here is a handy and comprehensive guide to recognising car warning lights and icons.

New cars are keeping up to pace with technology, and today warning lights feature more and more new functions to warn us not only that the vehicle is working as intended but also that something is not working as it should. This is why it is crucial to have at least a basic knowledge of the type of warning lights installed in the vehicle’s ignition system.

A warning light should never be underestimated, but it should not be a cause for fright; they can help us to immediately detect and solve a possible problem, avoiding more serious damage.

So, here’s how to recognise car warning lights and icons.

CONTENTS

How to recognise car warning lights and icons: colours.

• Red lights
• Yellow or amber lights
• Green lights
• Blue lights

Car warning lights: the colours of the individual light.

How to recognise car warning lights and icons: colours

The warning lights in our car’s dashboard are visual indicators that help us to check if certain components are working as intended (whether the lights come on correctly or how much fuel is in the vehicle), and are therefore extremely helpful. Warning lights vary in colour (red, yellow or amber, green, and blue) according to how serious the reported status is.

Red lights

Red warning lights are definitely the indicators most dreaded by all drivers: they report an imminent danger to the car and warn the driver to stop the vehicle immediately. They are usually followed by an acoustic signal to indicate a serious problem.

Yellow or amber lights

Yellow or amber warning lights indicate that there are critical issues requiring attention, but they are less serious than red ones. They normally signal an anomaly or vehicle malfunction, for example, that the car is low on fuel or that the tyre pressure is incorrect .

Green lights

When a green light comes on, there is no need to panic: this colour indicates that something is on and working as intended. Some classic information indicated by these warning lights refers to the switching on of the dipped headlights or the turn indicators. 

Blue lights

Blue warning lights are not nearly as common as other indicators and are generally found in cars to indicate that the full-beam headlights are on. More rarely, in some car models, the warning light may indicate that the engine temperature is too low. 

The most common car warning lights and their specific meaning

Stop warning light: if the word STOP appears in red while driving, it indicates that you need to stop the vehicle immediately and seek assistance.

Coolant temperature warning light: if it comes on while driving, stop the vehicle immediately and check the coolant level.

Front seat belt warning light: it turns on if the driver or passenger are not buckled in.

Battery charge warning light: if it comes on while driving, it indicates that the battery is low or, instead, that the system is overcharged.

Hand brake warning light: it indicates that the parking brake is engaged.

Open doors warning light: it comes on if one or more doors are open.

Low fuel warning light: when it turns on, it indicates that the fuel is running out.

Engine failure or anti-pollution system warning light: should it start flashing, the engine speed must be reduced, and assistance must be contacted.

ABS warning light: indicates a fault in the wheel anti-lock braking device.

Preheating warning light: found in diesel cars, it comes on to indicate that the glow plugs are warming up and then goes out within a few seconds.

Airbag warning light: if it comes on, it indicates that there is an airbag malfunction and that you need to seek assistance.

Stability control warning light: it indicates that stability control is activated due to a sudden loss of steering control.

Parking lights warning light: it indicates that the parking lights are on.

Dipped headlights warning light: it indicates that the dipped headlights are on.

Front fog lights warning light: it indicates that the fog lights are on.

Rear fog lights warning light: it indicates that the fog lights are on.

Indicator warning lights: they indicate that the 4-way flashers or the right or left indicator lights are on.

ECO mode warning light: it comes on only when the ECO mode is activated. The colour may vary depending on the car manufacturer.

Full-beam headlights warning light: it indicates that the full-beam headlights are on.

Engine temperature warning light: the engine temperature is low. High revs and stresses must be avoided.

Identifying car warning lights and icons, and thus faults and malfunctions in time is of paramount importance for driver and passenger safety.

For this to be possible, the car’s electrical system must be working as intended: otherwise, some warning lights might not indicate anomalies that need to be checked, making the car – and the driving experience – unsafe.

MOTRIO TIPS & TRICKS

ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSIS

Nowadays, electronics are involved in many aspects of a car’s operation. In fact, you may have seen yellow or red warning lights and icons appearing on your car’s dashboard.

Electronic diagnosis is a key aspect of car maintenance; indeed, computerised analysis will allow the mechanic to accurately detect malfunctions on electrical and electronic parts of your vehicle and assess their condition and safety.

With this analysis, several operations can be carried out, such as programming and mapping the control unit to optimise consumption, checking fuel consumption, and checking that warning lights and sensors are working as intended.

OUR ADVICE

We recommend doing a check-up at least once every two years.

Some indications of a malfunction might be:

· Warning lights that come on randomly

· Sensor malfunction

· Inconsistent values in the car’s self-diagnosis

If you think your car needs an electronic diagnosis, make an appointment at the nearest MOTRIO Service Centre all it takes is a few clicks!