Jump directly to the content
FLASH POINT

Key dashboard warning light should alarm drivers – pull over & get it checked fast, expert mechanic reveals

Ignoring it could cost you thousands in repair bills

A KEY dashboard warning light should terrify drivers and should be checked immediately, according to an expert mechanic.

Scotty Kilmer warned motorists to watch out for the warning signs of major issues on his YouTube channel.

Scotty Kilmer explained why one dashboard warning light should terrify drivers
2
Scotty Kilmer explained why one dashboard warning light should terrify driversCredit: YouTube/@scottykilmer
He urged motorists to pull over as soon as possible if the check engine light, here in orange, flashes on and off
2
He urged motorists to pull over as soon as possible if the check engine light, here in orange, flashes on and offCredit: Getty

Scotty, who has over five decades of experience in the motors industry, urged car owners to take urgent action if they see a particular light flashing on the dashboard.

He said: "I'm going to show you what it means when your check engine light is flashing on and off.

"When [the light] comes on it means there's a trouble code stored in the computer and that there's a problem.

"These problems can be big or little.

READ MORE MOTORS NEWS

"When it flashes on and off, it means they're big enough to ruin your catalytic converter."

The catalytic converter is a component that filters the exhaust fumes from your motor and reduces harmful emissions.

They are legally required in the UK and driving without one or with it broken could see you fined up to £1,000.

Scotty advised getting the issue checked as soon as possible by taking your car to a local garage.

Once there, mechanics can use a scanning tool to identify the issue that triggered the warning, which hopefully will be relatively minor.

According to Scotty, it could be something as simple as a misfire in the ignition coil, which generally costs between £50 and £150 to replace.

However, if you allow the problem to persist, you could find yourself in need of a new catalytic converter, which can cost around £500, or even an engine replacement, running your bills into the thousands.

commenters were stunned by the light's meaning.

One wrote: "Thank you for sharing your knowledge you seem like a great mechanic. I wish you were in my neighbourhood."

Another added: "Yup, had to change a coil in wife's truck earlier in the year."

And a third said: "Thanks Scotty. I never got one of those in my car, I had no idea it was even a possibility."

It comes as a major change to EV laws is set to come in this week, impacting millions of drivers.

Meanwhile, Nissan unveiled five new models in Fortnite, including a futuristic-looking Juke.

Topics