The failure to load the sensors is probably a centralised computer problem, since it’s more than one sensor (it would be an amazing coincidence if three sensors died at once). Either the Bluetooth connection is iffy, or there’s a software problem with reading what the sensors are saying.

I’m unsure how Great Wall can call the tyre-pressure sensor monitoring system a consumable. Yes, things like brake pads, tyres and batteries are considered consumables and not covered by a new-car warranty, but the tyre pressure monitoring system should last the life of the vehicle and is an important safety feature. I’d be ignoring the dealer and talking directly to GWM’s Australian customer service department and asking the tough questions. Australian consumer law is pretty clear on matter such as this one.

One of the biggest criticisms of the 2017 Great Wall Steed was that it had Isofix restraint anchor points in the seat bases, but no legal top-tether anchoring points at the top of the seat. As such, the vehicle was unsuitable for carrying children of child-restraint age with safety body ANCAP stating the vehicle was “not suitable for transporting young children”. This was a major reason the vehicle scored just two out of five safety stars from ANCAP.

It’s possible to retrofit top-tether points, but, because of the consequences of getting this wrong, the changes would have to be approved by a consulting engineer and signed off by the Tasmanian state registration authorities.

In modern vehicles, there are usually two oil warning lights. The first – an orange or yellow light - is to alert you that the oil level in the sump is becoming too low. This is easily fixed by stopping and topping up the engine oil. Provided you do it promptly and don’t ignore it, you shouldn’t do any permanent damage.

The second light is a red one and indicates that your engine has insufficient oil pressure to lubricate the moving parts. Sometimes, when this light shows, it’s already too late and permanent damage will have been done. But if you do see the oil-pressure warning light, drive to the nearest safe place to stop and switch off the engine as soon as possible. The vehicle will then need to be towed to a workshop to be checked out.

If you stopped the engine early enough, you might be able to repair the cause of the low oil pressure. But in many cases, it’s all over and done by the time the light flickers on, and you may need a replacement or reconditioned engine.