Dashboard Lights 101: What You Need to Know About Them

Have you ever noticed some symbols in your dashboard? Dashboard lights or dashboard symbols can provide important information about your car’s condition, both good and bad. Understanding the symbols can keep you safe while driving. In this article, we will describe the meaning of some of the most common dashboard lights that appear in your car.

Battery Light

When the battery light is on, you have to be careful. This dashboard light signals to you that there is something wrong with your alternator or charging system. Specifically, the car’s battery isn’t being charged. Make sure to look at this issue as soon as possible, as your battery may die.

Coolant Temperature Warning

As its name suggests, Coolant Temperature Warning symbol means your engine is overheating or has reached a very high temperature. It is caused by a problem with the cooling system. When it appears, all you have to do is park your car in a safe area, switch off the engine, and call an expert. While it’s fine to open the bonnet, never try to remove or touch any engine components. Touching them will lead to serious burns.

Oil Level/Pressure Warning

Have you ever seen a light that looks like a genie’s lamp on your dashboard? If so, be aware that something is wrong with your car. The symbol means that your car’s oil level is too low or depending on your vehicle, the oil pressure may be low. Again, immediately switch off the engine and see if you are able to check the oil level. Find the dipstick and see if it is low, alternatively, many modern cars have electronic oil level measurements and see if this indicates whether the level is low – if in doubt, call a mechanic. Never drive your car in this condition or you will be putting your vehicle and yourself in danger.

Airbag/SRS Warning

Airbags are designed to protect you during a crash. Thus, make sure to always check the condition of the airbags in your car. Having this light on your dashboard means there is a problem occurring in the airbag system. Although you can still drive the car, try to solve this issue as soon as possible for your safety. NOTE- whilst the airbag/SRS symbol is illuminated, the system defaults to INACTIVE for safety reasons.

Brake System

This warning deals with the brake system in your car. Generally, this light signals you there is a problem with the level of the car’s brake fluid and anti-lock brake system. Additionally, it can inform you that your handbrake is still on.

Diesel Engine Pre-glow

This symbol may appear when you start the engine of your car. It heats up the engine when it’s cold, and will go away once the car is ready to start. However, you still need to be careful if it still blinks after the engine is warm enough. It indicates that the system doesn’t work well.

Engine Light

Several factors can cause the engine light to turn on. It can be caused by a minor problem like a loose petrol cap or a major problem related to engine sensors, misfiring or a faulty emissions system like an oxygen sensor or catalytic converter. Moreover, this light shows your car’s internal computer recognises a problem with the engine or (in some cars) transmission. Call the mechanic immediately when it occurs to your car. The longer you drive with the light on, the more you risk causing subsequent damage.

Diesel Particulate Filter Warning

A filter exists if you drive a diesel car. It blocks the dirty particles from going into your car. However, if the light switches on, you need to notice that the filter is issuing a problem. To avoid replacing the filter, which is not cheap, try to fix the issue as soon as possible. In some cases the light comes on or flashes, indicating that the vehicle is undergoing a ‘regeneration’ process – refer to your owner’s manual, as interrupting this process and not allowing it to complete, can cause issues.

Tyre Pressure Warning

The light will appear if something is wrong with your tyre. It could become too flat or lose pressure. After you solve this issue, the system has to be reset.

ESC (Electronic Stability Control) Light

Finally, this symbol won’t indicate a problem, but it tells you are safe in your car. ESC is a technology that helps your car to be stable when you accidentally lose control while driving it. Thus, it is important to have this feature when you buy a new or used car. This symbol will flash during operation whilst carrying out measures, but if the light is permanently on, then the system is deactivated or faulty. In conclusion, dashboard lights are crucial for recognising some problems that may occur in your car. Some of them will tell you that you are safe when driving a car. Don’t forget to always check your car and remember these symbols since they inform your car’s condition!