Has your car’s battery light turned on and you’re not sure what it means?

A battery warning light is one of the most common car warning lights, and understanding what the light means and how to respond can save you from potentially dangerous situations.

In this blog, we’ll explore some common reasons that could turn a car battery warning light on and what you should do when this light turns on.

What is a car’s battery responsible for?

Your car's battery plays a pivotal role in the running of your vehicle - it provides the electricity necessary to power all the electrical components in your car. Simply put, without your battery, your car wouldn't start.

What could cause the battery warning light to turn

The battery warning light is your car's way of telling you there's a problem with its electrical system. It usually resembles a battery with a '+' and '-' sign. If this light turns on while you're driving, it usually means one of two things:

• Your car’s battery is not being recharged: this could be due to a problem with the alternator, drive belt, or another component of the charging system
• There's a malfunction in the battery itself: the battery may be old, damaged, or drained and unable to hold a charge

If the battery light turns on while driving, the general recommendation is to stop the vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible, as the battery may be running out of power.

Continuing to drive could cause the vehicle to stall, or potentially damage its electrical system.

Get your car’s battery inspected by qualified mechanics near you

Can a battery warning light cause an MOT failure?

Yes. Dashboard lights are checked during the MOT test as these lights typically indicate a problem with the vehicle.

If your battery warning light is on, it indicates a problem with the vehicle’s electrical system, which is a serious safety concern for you and road users around you.

If the battery light turns on, we recommended getting your car checked by a mechanic.

You can book vetted mechanics near you in Caura. They will inspect your car battery and will let you know if you require a car battery replacement before booking an MOT.

Get your car’s battery inspected by qualified mechanics near you

How to fix a battery warning light

Although battery warning lights normally need to be inspected by professional mechanics, here are 2 general steps you can take:

1. Check the battery: the first step is to examine the battery. Check for any visible damage, corrosion around the terminals, or loose connections
2. Reset the light: sometimes, the battery warning light might stay on even after you've fixed the problem. In this case, you may need to reset the light. This usually involves disconnecting the battery for a few minutes, then reconnecting it. However, this can also reset other systems in the car, so it's best to consult your vehicle's manual or a mechanic

Remember, ignoring a battery warning light can lead to more serious problems over time, including damage to the vehicle's electrical system, a dead battery, or a vehicle that won't start.

Get your dashboard warning lights checked by trusted mechanics