Dashboard Warning Lights and What They Mean

Dashboard warning lights are your car’s way of talking to you, and knowing what they mean can save you money, stress and sometimes a dangerous situation. This guide explains the colour code most manufacturers use, then runs through the most common symbols, what each usually indicates and what you should do. Symbols and exact meanings vary between makes and models, so always check your owner’s handbook for your specific car, and if in doubt, ask a qualified mechanic.

The colour code: red, amber, green and blue

Most cars use a traffic-light system that tells you how urgent a warning is.

• Red: a serious problem or safety issue. Stop as soon as it is safe to do so and investigate. Continuing to drive could cause damage or be dangerous.
• Amber or yellow: something needs attention soon. You can usually continue carefully, but get it checked promptly.
• Green or blue: information only. A system is switched on and working, such as headlights or cruise control.

A light that flashes is often more urgent than the same light shining steadily. When you start the car, many lights come on briefly as a self-test and then go out; that is normal. A light that stays on after the engine starts is the one to pay attention to.

Red warning lights: stop safely

Oil pressure warning

Usually shaped like an old-fashioned oil can with a drip. It means oil pressure is too low, which can quickly cause serious engine damage. Pull over safely, switch off the engine and check the oil level once the engine has cooled. Do not keep driving with this light on; call for breakdown help if topping up does not solve it.

Engine temperature or coolant warning

A thermometer symbol, sometimes sitting in wavy lines. The engine is overheating, possibly from low coolant, a leak or a fan fault. Stop safely and switch off. Never open the coolant cap while the engine is hot, as pressurised coolant can scald. Let it cool fully before checking levels.

Battery or charging warning

A rectangle with plus and minus signs. The charging system, usually the alternator or its drive belt, is not charging the battery. The car may run for a short while on battery power and then stop, so head somewhere safe and get it checked quickly.

Brake system warning

Often an exclamation mark inside a circle with brackets, or the word BRAKE. It may simply mean the parking brake is on. If the parking brake is fully released and the light stays on, it can indicate low brake fluid or a fault in the braking system. Stop safely and do not continue until it has been checked.

Airbag warning

A seated figure with a circle in front. There may be a fault in the airbag or seatbelt pre-tensioner system, meaning they might not work in a collision. Get it checked as soon as possible.

Power steering warning

A steering wheel symbol, sometimes with an exclamation mark. The power assistance may have failed, making the steering much heavier. Drive carefully to a safe place and have it inspected. Some cars show this in amber for less serious faults.

Seatbelt reminder

A figure wearing a seatbelt, often with a chime. Someone in the car is not belted up. Simple fix, important habit.

Amber warning lights: get it checked

Engine management light

An outline of an engine. It covers a wide range of faults, from a loose fuel cap to sensor or emissions problems. If it is steady, book a diagnostic check soon. If it flashes, it often signals a misfire that can damage the catalytic converter, so reduce speed and get help promptly.

ABS warning

The letters ABS in a circle. The anti-lock braking system has a fault. Normal brakes should still work, but wheels may lock under hard braking. Drive with extra care and get it checked.

Traction or stability control

A car with wavy skid lines behind it. If it flickers while driving, the system is actively helping you keep grip, which is a sign to ease off and drive more gently for the conditions. If it stays on, the system may be faulty or switched off.

Tyre pressure warning

A horseshoe shape with an exclamation mark, representing a tyre cross-section. One or more tyres are under-inflated. Check pressures as soon as you can, and look for punctures. Reset the system after inflating, as described in your handbook.

Glow plug warning (diesel)

A coil symbol. On many diesels it lights when you turn the key and goes out when the engine is ready to start. If it stays on or flashes while driving, there may be an engine fault.

Diesel particulate filter

A box with dots inside, representing a filter. The DPF is becoming blocked, often from many short, slow journeys. A steady drive at consistent speed on a suitable road can sometimes help it clear; check your handbook and seek advice if it stays on.

Low fuel, AdBlue and washer fluid

A fuel pump symbol means you are on reserve; refuel soon. Some diesels show an AdBlue warning when that fluid is low, and the car may not restart if it runs out. A windscreen with a spray symbol means washer fluid is low.

Brake pad wear

A circle with dashed lines on either side. Brake pads are worn and need replacing soon.

Green and blue lights: information only

• Dipped headlights: a green lamp symbol with angled lines.
• Main beam: a blue lamp symbol with straight horizontal lines. Dip it for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle.
• Front fog lights: usually green; rear fog lights are usually amber. Switch fog lights off when visibility improves so you do not dazzle others.
• Indicators: flashing green arrows. A much faster flash than normal often means a bulb has failed.
• Cruise control: a speedometer symbol with an arrow, showing the system is active.
• Eco or ready modes: hybrids and electric cars often show a green READY light when the car can move, even though it is silent.

Lights specific to electric and hybrid cars

Electric and hybrid models add their own symbols. Common ones include a plug icon showing the car is connected to a charger, a battery icon for low charge and a tortoise or turtle symbol on some models, which means power has been reduced to protect the battery or system. A red warning about the high-voltage system should be treated seriously: stop safely and contact a specialist. Check your handbook for the exact meanings in your model.

What to do when a warning light comes on

1. Note the colour and whether it is steady or flashing.
2. If it is red, find a safe, legal place to stop as soon as possible.
3. Check your handbook to identify the symbol.
4. Do simple checks only if safe: fluids once the engine is cool, tyre pressures, parking brake release.
5. If you are unsure or the light stays on, call your breakdown service or book a garage check.

Tips for staying ahead of warnings

• Learn your car’s symbols now, while nothing is wrong, by flicking through the handbook.
• Do regular checks of oil, coolant, screenwash and tyres so lights rarely surprise you.
• Keep up with servicing; many warnings are caught early at a service.
• Do not ignore a light because the car “feels fine”; some faults give no other sign until damage is done.
• Take a photo of the dashboard if a light appears so you can show the mechanic.

Final thoughts

Dashboard warning lights are simple once you know the colour code: red means stop safely, amber means check soon and green or blue means a system is on. Learn the symbols in your own handbook, act early on warnings and you will avoid most roadside surprises and costly repairs.