Car Dashboard Warning Lights | What Do They Mean?

Your guide for all your car warning lights and what they mean

These icons may look slightly different in your vehicle, so make sure to check you owners manual.

Knowing what your car dashboard warning lights actually mean is great knowledge to have, it can help you prevent a breakdown and save you money in the long run by helping you spot problems early.

There are 3 different categories of warning lights; red, amber and green:

Red warning lights mean you should stop the car as soon as it's safe.
Yellow warning lights mean that action is required.
Green warning lights are for information only

Car dashboard warning lights and what they mean

Brake System

If the light is on all the time, it could mean you simply forgot to release the handbrake. If it remains after the handbrake has been released it could mean you need to add brake fluid. If the light is still illuminated after topping up the fluid there could be something wrong with your braking system and you will need to get it checked out.

Engine Coolant System

This light means that your coolant levels are running low. You will need to check the gauge on the side of the coolant tank and top up if necessary.

Oil Warning Light

This light illuminates when the oil temperature is too high or the level / pressure is low.Oil temperature is too high or the level / pressure is low. Stop driving, turn off the engine, and once cooled, check the oil level. If necessary get the oil changed and if light continues to stay on, book your car into a garage to get it checked out

Power Steering

When this light shows, It means there is a problem with your power steering, the wheel can go heavy and may make maneuvering more difficult. Make sure to get this problem checked out

Airbag and Seatbelt System

An illuminated air bag warning light can mean a number of things. The main thing to note is that it means your airbag won’t deploy. You should take your vehicle into a mechanic so they can diagnose the problem.

Vehicle Charging System

This light will illuminate when the vehicle control system detects a problem with either the battery or the alternator and will need to get checked out right away.

Steering Lock

Only comes on when the ignition is in the off position and the lock is engaged. If you see it come on at any other time, you should have the car checked out.

Ignition Lock

It could indicate an issue with the ignition switch or show that there is a problem with the key being used.If this light comes on while you are driving, chances are the key can longer be verified so you will need to take the car to get checked out.

Seat Belt Buckles

This light will appear when a passenger in the vehicle has not fastened their seatbelt.Make sure all seat belts are fastened and the light should turn off.

Doors

This light indicates that one or more doors of the car are not shut properly.Check all of your doors, including the boot, are properly shut.

Bonnet

This light turns on when the bonnet is not closed properly. Make sure the bonnet has been closed properly before setting off.

Boot

This light turns on when the boot is not closed properly. Make sure the boot has been closed properly before setting off.

Car Dashboard Warning Lights | What Do They Mean? | Swansway Motor Group (2024)