Dashboard lights are your car's way of communicating problems or status updates, and they follow a universal color-coded system for urgency. Think of it like a traffic light: red lights demand immediate attention, yellow/orange lights mean you should schedule service soon, and green/blue lights are simply informational.
Ignoring these warnings, especially red ones, can lead to expensive repairs or unsafe driving conditions. The most critical lights indicate issues with your engine, brakes, or oil pressure. Your owner's manual is the definitive guide for your specific model, but here’s a breakdown of the most common alerts.
Critical Red Warning Lights
These require you to stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Check Engine Light: While it can be yellow, a flashing red check engine light signals a severe engine misfire that can damage the catalytic converter. Pull over and turn off the engine.
- Oil Pressure Warning: This means oil isn't circulating properly, which can cause catastrophic engine seizure within minutes.
- Brake System Warning: This could indicate low brake fluid, a problem with the brake system, or that the parking brake is still engaged.
- Battery Charge Warning: Signals the charging system isn't working; the car will run only until the battery drains.
- Engine Temperature Warning: Means the engine is overheating. Continuing to drive can warp engine components.
Yellow/Orange Caution Lights
These indicate a issue that should be addressed by a mechanic in the near future.
- Steady Check Engine Light: Points to an emissions or engine management issue. The car is likely drivable, but you should get the diagnostic trouble codes read.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): One or more tires are significantly under-inflated, affecting safety and fuel economy.
- Traction Control/ESC Light: Illuminates when the system is actively engaging on slippery roads. If it stays on, it means the system is off or has a fault.
Informational Green/Blue Lights
These are confirmations that a system is active.
- Headlights/High Beams: A green light means headlights are on; a blue light indicates high beams are engaged.
- Turn Signals: Green arrows flash in sync with your turn signals.
- Cruise Control: A green icon means the system is set and active.
| Common Dashboard Light | Color | Typical Meaning | Urgency Level | Next Step |
|---|
| Check Engine (Flashing) | Red | Severe engine misfire | Critical | Stop driving immediately. |
| Oil Pressure | Red | Loss of oil pressure | Critical | Stop engine immediately. |
| Battery/Charging | Red | Alternator failure | Critical | Drive directly to a mechanic. |
| Check Engine (Steady) | Yellow | Emissions/system fault | Moderate | Schedule service soon. |
| TPMS | Yellow | Low tire pressure | Moderate | Check and inflate tires. |
| ABS | Yellow | Anti-lock brake fault | Moderate | Brakes work, but ABS may not. |
| High Beams | Blue | High beam headlights on | Informational | Switch to low beams as needed. |
