It depends on the light. Red warnings often mean stop when it is safe; amber warnings commonly mean the car needs attention but may not require an immediate stop.
Do not guess from the colour alone
Look in the handbook for the exact symbol. Oil pressure, overheating and braking warnings can be serious enough to damage the car or make it unsafe.
Notice what the car is doing
A light accompanied by overheating, loss of power, smoke, strange noises or poor braking deserves much more caution than an isolated maintenance reminder.
Take a photograph while parked
If the symbol disappears later, a clear photograph can help a garage identify what you saw. Never photograph the dashboard while driving.
Breakdown cover and car insurance solve different problems. Read what each policy actually covers so you know who to call when the car stops.
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