What Are the Common Warning Lights in Cars?
3 Answers
Common warning lights in cars include the tire pressure warning light, coolant temperature warning light, and oil pressure warning light. Tire Pressure Warning Light: The symbol is a yellow irregular circle without a seal on top, with four small spikes at the bottom and an exclamation mark inside. The appearance of this symbol indicates abnormal tire pressure, and the tires need to be checked promptly. Coolant Temperature Warning Light: The symbol resembles a thermometer icon on the vehicle's computer panel. The coolant temperature warning light displays the temperature of the engine coolant, usually in red. If this light turns on, it means the engine temperature is too high, and the temperature gauge needle will also point to the red zone. This is a serious engine issue that can easily lead to engine seizure and other failures. Oil Pressure Warning Light: The symbol is a kettle-shaped icon on the dashboard. It lights up when oil pressure is abnormal. When the car starts, the oil pressure indicator will illuminate; if the oil pressure is normal, it will turn off later. If the oil pressure remains abnormal, the light will stay on.
I've been driving an old car with quite a few common dashboard warning lights. For example, the yellow check engine light may indicate engine or emission system issues; the red oil pressure light signals insufficient oil or a faulty pump; when the battery light turns red, the charging system might be failing; the flashing ABS light means anti-lock braking system malfunction; the airbag light alerts to airbag problems, the tire pressure monitoring light indicates low tire pressure, and the brake warning light shows low brake fluid. Whenever these lights come on, I immediately pull over to check, otherwise minor issues can escalate. Last time during a long trip, I ignored the tire pressure light and ended up with a flat tire—luckily the spare tire saved me. I advise fellow drivers not to be careless; regular maintenance can prevent problems. Nowadays, new cars even have an engine trouble code indicator light—just connect an OBD device to check the cause. Understanding these warning lights not only ensures safety but also saves on repair costs.
As a new driver who just got my license, my instructor emphasized the meaning of dashboard warning lights during training. The most common ones include the engine malfunction light, which looks like a small engine icon; the battery light shaped like a battery symbol; the ABS light displaying abbreviation letters; the oil pressure light with an oil can design; the airbag light showing an airbag pattern; and the tire pressure light depicting a tire silhouette. When these lights illuminate while driving, yellow ones usually indicate minor issues requiring inspection, while red signals mean immediate danger requiring you to stop. I've learned that ignoring warning lights increases accident risks - for example, when the brake warning light is on, braking power might be reduced. I recommend getting a manual or checking online resources to familiarize yourself with these symbols, unlike my first experience when I kept driving ignorantly with the engine light on and ended up in the repair shop.
