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Getting behind the wheel of a modern car means it's essential you know what your vehicle's dashboard lights mean. Built with electronics and sensors that clue you in on your car's health, these colour-coded warning lights are there to help you avoid accidents, breakdowns, or even total failure when you're on the road.
Here, we'll take a look at what these warning lights mean and the steps you should be taking when you see them appear while you're driving.
The warning lights on your dashboard follow a traffic light colour system:
Green: The system is working correctly or is currently in use
Amber: Something is not working correctly. Be careful and have it seen to as soon as possible
Red: There is a serious and potentially dangerous problem. Stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so
Some of the issues indicated by dashboard warning lights will require a professional to inspect and repair the problem, though some of them may be problems that you can rectify yourself. For instance, if you're low on screen wash, then the light will go off once you've topped up the reservoir.
Oil warning or brake system warning lights, however, relate to major components of the car and will need to be checked by a mechanic.
What does it mean?
If this red light remains on after releasing the parking brake or it appears when driving, it may indicate that the brake fluid level is low. Unless you're well versed in checking brake fluid levels yourself, have a professional check it.
What should you do if you see it?
Since the brakes are an essential safety feature, you should pull over and stop as soon as it's safe to do so. Keep your speed low and avoid sudden braking. If you can't drive to a garage or your brakes aren't functioning properly, call for recovery if you have breakdown cover.
What does it mean?
When illuminated, this light can mean a number of different engine issues – from lack of power to stuttering acceleration. It could also indicate a broken electrical sensor or a fault with your emission control system or catalytic converter.
What should you do if you see it?
Get it checked as soon as possible. Continuing to drive could risk further, even irreparable damage to your engine.
What does it mean?
When illuminated red, it means at least one element of the airbag safety system is not working correctly, such as:
The airbag system itself
The front passenger occupant classification system (needed to safely deploy the airbag)
The seat belt pre-tensioner system (which tightens the belt in the event of a crash
What should you do if you see it?
If the airbag isn't working properly, it may not go off in a crash or be deployed unexpectedly. In any event, it's vital to get this seen to as quickly as possible.
What does it mean?
There's an issue with your car's power steering.
What should you do if you see it?
For electric power steering systems, you may be able to rectify the issue yourself. Find a safe place to stop and try turning the car off and back on again after 30 seconds. If the light stays on after doing this, then get your car checked as soon as possible.
What does it mean?
If you drive a diesel car, one of these lights will come on when a problem with the exhaust particulate filter arises, which could indicate that the filter has become blocked with soot.
What should you do if you see it?
Go to a garage as soon as you can. Problems of this nature can be expensive to replace and release toxic smoke every time you press the accelerator, which causes further damage to your car.
What does it mean?
Your engine is overheating. This might mean that coolant levels are running low due to a leak in the system or it could be due to a bigger problem, such as a head gasket failure.
What should you do if you see it?
Stop straight away. Without enough coolant, your engine will overheat, and you’ll most likely breakdown at the roadside. Stop and wait until the engine has cooled before you check the gauge on the side of the coolant tank under the bonnet and top up as necessary.
If the light remains on after topping out, you should call for recovery as part of your breakdown cover.
What does it mean?
Your coolant levels are running low.
What should you do if you see it?
Stop and top up as soon as possible. Otherwise, you'll risk causing serious damage to your car. Just be sure to wait for the engine to cool down before topping up.
What does it mean?
Your car's oil temperature is too high, or the oil level/pressure is too low.
What should you do if you see it?
Stop as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Check for obvious leaks under the car, then check the oil levels and top up as needed. If the oil levels are fine, then the oil pump may be faulty. Call for recovery – driving any further could damage the engine.
What does it mean?
The battery is flat or not charging, which could be due to a problem with your car's electrical system caused by a faulty alternator, faulty battery, bad electrical connection or damaged cabling.
What should you do if you see it?
Your car will run as normal until the battery is dead. Once it's empty, nothing will work, so get to a garage ASAP.
What does it mean?
If the anti-lock brake warning light comes on by itself you should still have normal, unassisted braking. If it comes on with the brake warning light, it could indicate the brake system is failing.
What should you do if you see it?
If you see it in tandem with the brake warning light, you should stop right away and call for recovery if you have breakdown cover.
What does it mean?
A consistent light indicates a problem with traction control. If it's flashing, then it means that the ESP system is intervening – if you're driving on an icy road, for instance.
What should you do if you see it?
If the light remains on, try stopping and restarting the engine. If it remains on after this, get it checked at the garage.
What does it mean?
If you see this symbol, it means a sensor has detected your brake pads are wearing thin.
What should you do if you see it?
It should come on before the brake pads become too thin, so there's time to get them changed. However, you should have them replaced as soon as you can; letting them wear out completely can be dangerous.
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