What are the common warning lights on a car dashboard?
3 Answers
Warning Lights: 1. Oil Pressure Warning Light: When illuminated, it indicates the engine oil level or pressure is below standard. Continued driving may cause severe engine wear due to lack of lubrication. If the light remains after adding oil, do not start the vehicle and contact roadside assistance immediately. 2. Coolant Temperature Warning: This light displays the temperature of the engine coolant. Vehicles without temperature gauges use colored indicators to show coolant status. 3. Check Engine Light: This yellow light indicates the engine's operational status. It normally illuminates during ignition self-check and should turn off after starting. Persistent illumination suggests potential engine system issues. 4. Brake System Warning Light: First verify the parking brake is fully released. If the light remains on, check brake fluid level or pad thickness. Drive cautiously to the nearest repair shop if braking performance seems normal. 5. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Illumination indicates possible underinflation or tire damage. Immediately inspect tires for punctures or leaks. 6. Battery Warning Light This yellow light typically extinguishes after self-check. Continuous illumination signals battery problems that may prevent engine start when depleted.
When I first got the car, I used to stare blankly at the symbols on the dashboard. The most common one is that yellow engine icon, indicating a minor engine issue. If the red oil can light comes on, you need to pull over and check immediately, or the engine could be ruined. The red battery symbol and the red temperature gauge light are also super critical—if they light up, you must shut off the engine right away. The brake system light is a circle with an exclamation mark inside, and the airbag light is a human-shaped icon. I always keep the manual in my car, so I can look up any unfamiliar symbols—safety comes first, after all. The tire pressure light looks like a deflated U-shape with an exclamation mark, and the yellow ABS light means the anti-lock braking system isn’t working. If the power steering fails, the steering wheel will feel heavier, so keep an eye on the steering wheel light, too. I recommend new drivers take photos of these icons and save them on their phones for reference.
With twenty years of driving experience, I can name every warning light on the dashboard with my eyes closed. The oil pressure light flashing means pulling over immediately like putting out a fire, or the engine could be toast. The battery charge light signals a broken alternator—time to turn off the AC and stereo fast. A red coolant temperature light is the prelude to an engine boil-over, so don’t take it lightly. A yellow ABS fault light isn’t cause for panic, but expect skidding during hard braking. If the tire pressure light comes on, check for nails first. An airbag light could compromise life-saving protection. Once, my power steering fault light lit up, and the wheel felt like moving bricks. Here’s a pro tip: A poorly released handbrake can also trigger the brake light—don’t mistake it. These lights are like the car’s health report, and seasoned drivers know the alarms behind them.
