A is for Automobile

An old guy approaches me after I've paid for petrol, stopping me when I reach the silver (and red) machine. He asks if I can help him, because a warning light's come on in his car and he doesn't know what it means. 'I usually get my son to help me with this sort of thing, but he's not here.'

Okay, I think. I know nothing about cars, but there's a slim chance I might recognise the light, so I go over and see if I can help him. I tell him to start the motor, and stare at the red light that appears on the dash. Pause for a couple of seconds . . .

'That's your handbrake light, sir.'