Car dashboard warning lights are your vehicle's way of communicating problems or status updates. They follow a universal color-coded system: red signals an urgent, potentially dangerous issue that requires immediate attention; yellow/amber indicates a problem that needs service soon but isn't an immediate emergency; and green/blue lights are simply informational, showing that a system is active.
Understanding these symbols is crucial for safety and preventing costly repairs. Ignoring a red light, like the engine temperature warning, can lead to severe engine damage in minutes. Here’s a quick reference table for some of the most common and critical lights.
| Light Symbol (Common Name) | Color | What It Typically Means | Immediate Action Required? |
|---|
| Check Engine Light | Yellow/Amber | Problem with engine, emission, or ignition system. | Schedule diagnostic service soon. |
| Oil Pressure Warning | Red | Loss of engine oil pressure. | Stop engine immediately to prevent damage. |
| Battery/Charging Alert | Red | Charging system failure; battery not charging. | Service needed soon; battery may die. |
| Brake System Warning | Red | Parking brake engaged or serious brake hydraulic failure. | Check parking brake; if disengaged, stop driving. |
| Engine Temperature Warning | Red | Engine is overheating. | Pull over safely, turn off engine, and let it cool. |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | Yellow | Significant loss of air pressure in one or more tires. | Check and adjust tire pressure as soon as possible. |
| Airbag (SRS) Warning | Yellow/Red | Fault in the airbag or supplemental restraint system. | Have system serviced; airbags may not deploy in crash. |
| ABS (Anti-lock Brakes) Warning | Yellow | ABS system is disabled; standard brakes still work. | Service recommended; braking may be less stable. |
| Traction Control/ESP Light | Yellow | System is actively working to prevent wheel spin or loss of control. | Informational; drive cautiously on slippery surfaces. |
| Lane Departure Warning | Green/Yellow | System is active (green) or has intervened (yellow) to keep you in lane. | Informational/cautionary. |
The most important rule is to never ignore a red light. If a red warning illuminates while driving, safely pull over and consult your owner's manual. It’s the definitive guide for your specific model, as the exact meaning of some symbols can vary slightly between manufacturers. For yellow lights, while not an immediate crisis, prompt diagnosis can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major one.
