Dashboard Lights: What Do They Indicate?
When you are driving, you may have noticed that your dashboard indicators light up. Depending on the situation your car is in, different symbols light up to warn you as a reminder or a request for immediate action. Cars today are advanced to sensor the environment and give out warnings so you can drive safely. To give out specific warnings, the dashboard is designed to have over 100 different warning lights. As the driver, it is essential for you to know what the different warning lights on your dashboard mean to ensure that you are ready to drive safely.
Some warning lights are less obvious than others so to help you prepare, we will cover 14 common dashboard warning lights and what they indicate. Use this guide to prepare yourself so the next time a warning light flashes, you will know what actions to take.
Some Basic Information You Should Know
Despite the many dashboard warning symbols, they are categorized in 3 different colors. You should know what each color represents so you can take the proper action. If the dashboard light is green or blue, it informs you that a certain system is on and operating. If the dashboard symbol light is yellow or orange, it indicates that something needs to be serviced or repaired soon. And if the dashboard symbol light is red or flashing, it is a warning that immediate action must be taken.
Before we discuss the common types of warning lights you should know, it is important to note that because different vehicles may have a slightly different sign displayed, please refer to your driver’s manual for specific information. In addition, it may be common for some of the warning lights to light up when you turn on your vehicle. If the lights turn off within a few seconds, your vehicle should be operating fine.
14 Most Common Warning Lights
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
If your oil indicator lights up, this indicates an issue with your vehicle’s oil pressure system. You could either be low on oil or have a malfunction with your oil pump where not enough oil is circulating throughout your vehicle.
It is recommended to address this problem as soon as possible. Pull over to the side safely, turn off your vehicle, and check the engine for obvious oil leaks. If the oil level is too low, you may want to add oil.
2. Tire Pressure Warning Light
When the tire pressure warning lights up, it indicates that one or more of your tires require additional air. This can be the result of a nail lodged in your tire or a possible flat tire. If the warning flashes for 60-90 seconds and stays on, even if you are sure that your tires are properly inflated, it is likely that something is wrong with your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
The tire pressure warning light is not an emergency, but you should refill your tires as soon as possible. Make sure you fix your tires by inflating or deflating your tires to the correct pressure earlier than later to avoid additional problems for your vehicle.
3. Engine Temperature Warning Light
The temperature warning light will light up when your vehicle is overheating. It is likely the cause of some cooling system problems or a low coolant level in your vehicle.
You should try to tackle the problem immediately. It is recommended that you pull over safely and turn off your vehicle to allow it to cool down. It is also a good idea to call for assistance to fix your coolant issue.
4. Traction Control Alert Light
The traction control alert indicates that your traction control system is on. Under the anti-lock brake system (ABS), the traction control will detect if your vehicle’s wheel is spinning irregularly. The ABS automatically detects slippery wheels and applies brakes to help the car regain traction.
The traction control alert is meant to inform you of slippery road conditions. You are not required to take much action but do pay close attention and stay aware of the road when driving.
5. Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light
The anti-lock brakes will light up to indicate a problem with the auto anti-lock brake system. While your regular brakes will work, your ABS system can no longer support and prevent your wheels from locking up if you suddenly brake too hard.
Braking will be essential on your driving journey. To ensure this extra layer of support on the road, you should reach out to a mechanic and have your problems diagnosed as soon as possible.
6. Engine Warning Light (Check Engine Light)
The check engine warning light may require a series of fixes. You may simply be required to tighten your gas cap if it is loose. On the other hand, you may be required to take immediate action by having a mechanic check your problem.
If the light is on but you do not notice any unusual sounds or smells, you can continue driving. However, if the check engine light becomes red or flashes, you should reach out for assistance and get your problems repaired as soon as possible.
7. Battery Alert Light
The battery warning sign sensors problems around the vehicle’s overall electrical system. If the battery alert light is on, be sure to pay close attention to the electrical systems in your vehicle such as a damaged battery cable, a bad alternator, or a dimming headlight.
The best action is to get a mechanic to look at your issue and replace any old batteries or damaged electrical cords. Do not wait too long to get your problems fixed. While some battery issues can wait, others like being unable to start your car require an immediate fix.
8. Low Fuel Indicator Light
The low fuel indicator light is obvious. It indicates that your vehicle is running low on fuel. When you see the low fuel indicator light turned on, pay close attention to your fuel amount. Do not try to make your way but instead, search and go to the nearest gas station. Fill up your fuel before you continue your journey.
9. Seat Belt Reminder Light
The seat belt reminder light indicates that you should fasten your seatbelt. Usually, you will be warned by a repetitive dinging noise to get your attention.
Your dashboard seatbelt reminder is here to help you out. Just buckle up and you’re ready to start driving!
10. Airbag Warning Light
The airbag warning light indicates that something is wrong with your air bags or the entire airbag system.
You should check out your car immediately before you start your driving journey. Airbags are essential to keep you safe during accidents, so make sure they are working properly every time you are driving.
11. Brake Warning Light
The brake warning light can turn on and might indicate one of the many things. It can inform you that you are engaged with your parking brakes, remind you to disengage your brakes, or warn you of possible problems with your parking brake or the overall braking system.
If your parking brake is not engaged but your brake light is on, stop safely and check if your parking brake is engaged. If not, it may indicate potential problems with your brake pads, calipers, or even malfunction on your ABS system. It is a serious problem if you are unable to stop your car. You should address the issue before you start driving by reaching out to your nearest repair shop for assistance.
12. Lane Departure Warning Light
The lane departure warning light is present in most cars today. When the light is turned on, it will create a beeping noise as it detects your vehicle drifting out of the lane.
The lane departure warning light indicates that you are not staying on your lane line. Your best action is to correct your steering. Note that sometimes, the light may come on if you are changing lanes.
13. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
The transmission temperature warning light indicates that your transmission is overheating. This can be caused by heavy towing, low transmission fluid, or something else. The best action is to pull over safely and turn off your vehicle. You should wait for your vehicle to cool down before driving it again. If the light is still on after a cool down, you should call for a tow or go to a repair shop for further inspection as soon as possible.
14. Cruise Control Indicator Light
A cruise control indicator light reminds you that your cruise control feature is engaged, and your car can maintain a constant speed without needing to hold on to your accelerator pedal. If you want to maintain a constant speed, you can open your cruise control light. Your cruise control light will be orange. Once you set a constant speed, it will turn green. However, in some cases, if the light isn’t green, it can indicate a problem with the system that should get fixed.
STAY ALERT! You should pay close attention to your dashboard lights when you are driving. If you come across an immediate warning, you should always pull out of the road safely and try to resolve your problem before you continue driving. Watch out for your dashboard lights and make sure you acknowledge them as you continue driving!