Drivers have been warned that ignoring warning lights in cold weather could cause breakdowns (Image: Getty)
Drivers have been urged to look out for four that are more common during .
Many parts of the country have recently experienced a , with drivers needing to prepare their vehicle by and taking it easy out on the roads.
However, also recommended that drivers keep an eye out for a number of warning lights that may appear on the dashboard to warn them about , including the oil pressure light.
They advised: “The oil pressure light appears as a red tank with a drop coming out of its spout on your dashboard. If you see this light, pull over in a suitable spot and wait whilst your engine cools.
“Once the engine is cool, open the bonnet and check your oil levels. If needed, top up your oil to the fill line and ensure there are no leaks. If the light does not go off, this is when you should contact a mechanic, and whilst you wait, should avoid any long journeys.”
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The battery warning light may mean drivers need to jump start their vehicle due to a low charge (Image: Getty)
Another warning light that all motorists should chec when they are travelling in harsh weather is the battery warning light, which is a simple red icon of a car battery featuring positive and negative symbols.
With colder weather often meaning that fewer chemical reactions take place, it is most likely that this symbol means that the battery is low on charge.
As a result, the engine may need to be jump started using the battery of another vehicle and a set of leads.
However, in more serious cases, this icon could be a sign that there is something wrong with other electronic components, including the alternator. To be safe, drivers should avoid long journeys when the battery warning light is present.
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Drivers should also pull over in a safe space when the temperature warning light appears (Image: Getty)
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts also suggested that drivers pull over as soon as the temperature warning light appears, which shows a thermometer within liquid.
They continued: “This light will show if your car is unable to regulate its temperature, if this occurs you will notice a red or orange thermometer symbol above the waves.
“Although this warning light may be indicating coolant levels are low, it could also mean something more sinister, so be sure to pull over at a safe spot and wait for your engine to cool down.”
Finally, the company warned drivers to avoid travelling long distance journeys with the tyre pressure warning light on the dashboard, which could lead to high-speed blowouts and worsened fuel economy.
They added: “If a light on your dashboard appears which is an amber exclamation mark inside an upside-down horseshoe shape, then this means you may have low tyre pressure. Tyres naturally lose pressure over time, so it is important to regularly inflate them at a nearby service or petrol station.
“If you do inflate them and they still appear to lose pressure, this could mean your tyre has a puncture or a tear, if this is the case, the tyre then needs to be replaced either temporarily by the spare or by a new one at a garage.”