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Your car has countless warning lights hidden in your dashboard. Here is a summary of the most important ones.
Your car’s dashboard has what seems like a thousand different lights, all conveying different messages.
It can be confusing to figure out what each one means and whether it’s worth paying attention to, so we’ve broken down the main ones.
Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list and some symbols may differ between manufacturers and sometimes even models if they have had a generational update.
If in doubt, consult your manual or ask your mechanic. We definitely don’t advise ignoring a check engine light for more than a year…
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Check engine light. It could be cheap, it could be expensive…
That means: There is a fault somewhere in the engine or drive train.
What you should do: This light can shine for many reasons: it can be minor, but it can also be important. You should take your car to a mechanic to see what the problem is before it really gets nasty, especially if it’s making alarming noises or running noticeably rough.
Oil Pressure Warning: Stop the engine if it comes on.
That means: Your engine has lost oil pressure.
What you should do: It could just mean you’re low on oil, or it could mean your engine has spilled its greasy guts all over the road. Or anything in between. Either way, pull over to a safe place and turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
Master warning light. This one could mean almost anything, so check the script for a message if it appears.
That means: Potential problem with an onboard system.
What you should do: This will almost always come with a message in the script. It could range from something like the fuel filler cap being open to a major malfunction. React as needed.
Engine Temperature Warning: Things are getting hot. Lay back.
That means: Your engine is overheating.
What you should do: Stop immediately and turn off the engine. Many modern cars have ditched the traditional temperature gauge in favor of a light, so when this comes on the engine might actually be cooking. Alternatively, if the light is blue, it just means the engine is cold, which is fine.
The handbrake light. It sounds bad, it probably isn’t. But it could be.
That means: The parking brake is engaged or there is a problem with the brakes.
What you should do: If your car has a handbrake, make sure the lever is fully released. Sometimes the light can activate if it is raised a little. If the light stays on or the parking brake is electronic, go to your mechanic.
If this comes on, there could be something wrong with the anti-lock brakes.
That means: There is something wrong with your ABS system.
What you should do: Definitely don’t be a hero here, go check it out. ABS sensors are monitored by a wide range of other systems in your car, and you really don’t want to be without ABS in an emergency stop.
Stability/Traction Control: If it stays on, check it.
That means: If it flashes while you’re driving, the system is doing what it’s supposed to do, don’t worry. If it stays on, there is an error in the system.
What you should do: if the light stays on, get it checked immediately, traction and stability systems can also affect other systems in a modern car, so you can’t just rely on your superior ability if they malfunction.
The battery Quite a vital part of the car.
That means: there is an error in the battery or the voltage is low.
What you should do: have the battery and wider electrical system checked by an auto mechanic or electrician. The light usually means the battery is not charging, which could even mean a broken alternator belt or something similar. Obviously, if this or something similar shows up on your EV, get it looked at immediately.
This doesn’t tell you a key, it just says your car needs service.
That means: Your car needs a scheduled service OR there is a general fault.
what should you do: Book a service. Different cars have different ways of showing this, with more modern cars broadcasting a message, rather than just a light. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
