Car dashboard warning lights: Explained
Tuesday 29th October 2024
Most modern vehicles have multiple electronics and sensors that monitor your vehicle’s behaviour. Have you spotted a sign on your dashboard and are unsure what it means? Discover more about car dashboard warning lights and what issues they represent in Formula One Autocentres’ informative guide.
Car dashboard symbols and their meanings
Knowing the difference between colours on the dashboard warning lights can help you understand the severity of your vehicle’s issue. Typically, the car warning lights follow a traffic light colour scheme:
- Green warning lights – Green lights mean various systems in your vehicle are working correctly or are in use.
- Amber warning lights – An amber warning light signals something on your car isn’t working. If you notice an amber light appearing on your dashboard, you must get it inspected immediately and take extra care before it develops into a car-breaking issue.
- Red warning lights – A red warning light indicates a serious and potentially dangerous issue with your car. Once a red dashboard light appears, stop driving and get your vehicle checked immediately.
Brake warning light
This warning light signals that the handbrake or parking brake has been applied. However, if the light appears after releasing the handbrake, it could indicate that your car has low brake fluid, there’s a fault with the brake pads or that the hydraulic brake circuits have failed.
If the brake warning light continues to appear on your dashboard, you should stop driving and book a free brake check. Our brake technicians can check over your brake system and replace any worn rotors or pads with new ones.
Airbag warning light
Once you’ve turned the ignition on, it is common for the airbag warning light to come on when you’ve started your car.
If the airbag warning light stays on, it means one part of the airbag safety system is not working correctly. If you were to be involved in an accident, the airbag may not activate in a crash. Therefore, you must get your car’s airbag system checked straight away.
However, you must switch off the airbag when carrying a child in a rear-facing child seat in the front passenger seat. Once the airbag is switched off, a warning light will appear on the dashboard to indicate that the airbag has been deactivated.
Engine management light
The engine management light (also known as the engine control unit or ECU warning light) means there is a problem with the engine. It could include a lack of power when you apply the accelerator pedal or if there are issues with the spark plugs. If you notice the engine management light stays on, you should get it checked immediately to avoid further damage to the engine.
Power steering warning light
If you notice the power steering light appear, it could signal a lack of fluid or a more complex issue with your car’s power steering system. When the power steering warning light appears on the dashboard, stop in a safe place, turn your vehicle off for 30 seconds and restart it. If the light remains on the dashboard, you should get your power steering checked as soon as possible.
Diesel particulate filter warning light
Do you have a diesel vehicle? This warning light will signal a problem with the exhaust particulate filter, indicating that the filter is blocked with soot, causing damage to your diesel car. We recommend booking a free exhaust check at your nearest branch, where our exhaust technician can replace the old diesel particulate filter with a new one.
Engine temperature warning light
The engine temperature warning light (also known as the coolant temperature warning light) appears on the dashboard if you have an overheated car engine.
When this light appears on your car’s dashboard, stop your car in a safe place. It is a good idea to wait until the engine has cooled down before checking the gauge on the coolant tank under the engine bay.
This could indicate a leak, so it is a good idea to check for coolant leaks – but if everything looks fine after topping up with engine coolant, you can continue your journey as usual.
Coolant levels warning light
The coolant levels warning light indicates that your engine coolant levels are running low, reminding you to top up with coolant. While you can continue to drive with the coolant levels warning light on, we advise not driving long journeys without sufficient coolant. If possible, you should try to top up your engine with coolant when it is safe to do so.
Engine oil warning light
If the engine oil warning light appears on your dashboard, it can tell you that the engine oil pressure or oil level is low, or that the vehicle’s oil temperature is too high. However, most vehicles have a different warning light for the engine oil temperature. If the engine oil warning light shows on your car’s dashboard, you should stop immediately. You can look underneath your vehicle for potential leaks. If there are any, or if you have topped up with fresh engine oil and the warning light remains on, you may have to call for breakdown cover.
Low tyre pressure warning light
Many modern vehicles come fitted with tyre pressure monitoring systems, indicating to the driver that their tyre pressure is low and needs inflating. You can continue to drive when this light appears but with caution. It is a good idea to top up your tyres with air at your nearest garage. Discover more about what your tyre pressure should be in our helpful guide.
Battery warning light
If this car warning light appears when you are driving, it suggests the battery is not charging. Your car will run until the battery is dead and then stop working completely – so it is crucial to get your vehicle to the nearest garage before it runs out of charge. If your car battery dies while driving, you can jumpstart it or call for breakdown cover.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light means that you can continue to drive, but you won’t be able to have the ABS brake for you. Therefore, you must take extra care when the light appears while driving. However, if the ABS warning light appears with the brake warning light, it can tell you that your car’s brake system is failing. You should stop in a safe place and request breakdown cover immediately.
Electronic stability problem (ESP) system light
Also known as the Electronic Stability Control warning light, the Electronic Stability Programme warning light signals an issue with the vehicle’s traction control. It is common when driving on slippery surfaces and can appear as a flashing light. However, if the ESP light stays on, it can signal that the ESP system isn’t working correctly. Try stopping and restarting the engine, but if the light remains on, you must get this checked at a garage.
Brake pad warning light
Some higher-end vehicles may have a brake pad warning light, indicating that your brake pads are too thin. If the brake pad warning light appears, it gives you time to get the pads replaced. Are you unsure whether you need new brakes for your car? Discover more information on new car brakes in our article.
Have you noticed any of the above warning lights appear on your car’s dashboard? Visit your local Formula One Autocentres branch and speak to one of our experts today. We can book your vehicle in for an interim or full car service. Alternatively, we can replace your vehicle’s brakes, suspension or battery on-site by our trained and experienced technicians.