While they may be daunting for first-time car owners, the symbols on your car’s dashboard aren’t all warnings. They may indicate vehicle features, safety features, or mechanical issues, usually indicated by the engine warning lights.
Depending on the severity of the warning, typical dashboard warning lights and symbols usually appear in four possible colours—red, amber, green or blue.
Here’s a general breakdown of what these colours mean:
- Red: Indicates a serious issue that requires immediate attention. e.g., an overheating engine or brake malfunction.
- Amber or Yellow: Indicates a problem but not severe, e.g., low oil level and low tyre pressure.
- Green or Blue: Indicates normal system functioning, such as working headlights and proper fuel system functioning.
In this blog, we will examine the various dashboard warning lights and symbols, the importance of paying attention to these engine warning lights, and what to do when warning lights come on your dashboard.
While many dashboard symbols are general for all car types, some may be unique to your car. So, take a look at your car’s manual to be sure.
Battery Warning Light
If the battery light stays on and won’t disappear after a few seconds of starting the engine, it could indicate an issue with the alternator, battery, or electrical system. This means the car is not charging itself when moving, causing the battery to drain and eventually stop the engine.
Once you notice this, turn off the non-essential features like the air conditioning and radio, unplug charging devices, heated seats, etc.
Get to a safe place to turn off the engine because it may not start until the issue is rectified. Contact a professional to have a check on the battery.
Can I drive my car if the battery warning light is on?
It’s unsafe and not a good idea to drive a car if the battery warning light is on. Although the battery light could indicate that the battery is weak, it can also mean an electrical issue is responsible for the flashing battery lights.
A weak battery can affect car parts like the alternator and digital components. So, while it’s relatively safe to drive with the battery light on, getting to your destination is not guaranteed, and checking what’s wrong and fixing it are required to ensure peace of mind while driving.
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Brake Warning Light
If the brake light is on when the car is moving, the handbrake may be on. But if it’s off and the light is still on, the brake fluid is low, or there is a significant issue with the hydraulic brake system.
Is it safe to drive with the brake warning light on?
The answer is no. If the light is on or you sense a difference in the feel of the brake—spongy-like or the pedals getting lower to the floor—just steer the car to the side of the road and call your mechanic to have a check.
Seat Belt Reminder Light
The light comes on when you or your passenger doesn’t use the seatbelt when the car is in motion.
Of course, simply wearing the seat belt will resolve the issue. Did you know that 27% of fatalities in 2021 on Irish roads resulted from not wearing a seat belt? It’s crucial for both the driver and passengers to use the seat belt, and it’s required by law.
Why is my seat belt light flashing when buckled?
When the seat belt light keeps flashing after buckling, it may be due to a faulty buckle. Other reasons include wear and tear, debris, or food crumbs stuck in the buckle slot. As insignificant as this may be, don’t ignore it. Verify that the seat belt is fastened securely.
Power Steering Warning Light
If the light is on, it may indicate that the power steering lacks fluid, but it can also indicate a serious issue with the system.
If you notice this, pull over, switch off the engine, and check the level of the power steering fluid. If the light stays on, seek assistance from a professional, as the vehicle’s safety may no longer be guaranteed.
What causes the power steering light to come on?
For vehicles using hydraulic power steering, the most typical reason for the power steering warning light is a low fluid level, usually caused by leaking hoses.
If you see the light flashing while driving, look for a safe place to park and stop the engine. Open the bonnet to locate the steering wheel fluid storage and check the fluid level.
If the level appears low, you may top it. After turning the engine on and the light still flashing, you may need to seek the help of a professional as soon as possible to diagnose the problem.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
If you notice the oil pressure light is on while in motion and didn’t go out a few seconds after starting your car engine, park in a safe place and switch off the engine.
Verify if the oil level is low and the oil pump is faulty. Top up if the oil level is low. However, if the oil level is normal and the light warning light is still on, contact your mechanic immediately and avoid restarting the car.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
This could indicate a low coolant level, which aids in regulating the engine temperature. Lack of coolant will cause the engine to get too hot, impairing functions and causing expensive damage to the car engine.
What should you do when the engine temperature light comes on?
To investigate the issue, first check the coolant level, but be very careful with the escaping steam when opening the lid on the coolant tank. If the level is fine, the light may mean the radiator leaks, or you have a blown head gasket. If you experience this, immediately check this with a professional mechanic.
Doors Open Reminder Light
The light could come on if the bonnet, boot, or one of the car doors is not properly closed. If yours is on, top the car and ensure all the doors are tightly closed. You can just re-open and close them all to be sure. Also, check for obstacles that might prevent the door from closing properly.
Airbag Warning Light
The light turns on when there is an issue with one or more airbags.
If the light is on, you should have a mechanic check your airbag. Driving with faulty airbags means the airbag will not deploy if the car is involved in an accident. This could lead to severe injuries to major body parts or even death.
Check Engine Light
The engine warning light is ON if the sensor detects any engine-related issues, such as a loose fuel cap or faulty catalytic converter.
The engine light blinking means you don’t need to wait until your car develops symptoms or has a serious breakdown before you check it with a diagnostic machine at your trusted mechanic shop. The machine will be able to detect any issues and direct you on what to do.
Tyre Pressure Warning Light
The tyre pressure light is ON when the tyre pressure monitoring system has discovered a pressure drop.
One or more of your tyres may need some inflation. You should know that the tyre pressure can affect a car’s braking and handling. If you discover any puncture, you can use a sealant or change the wheel by visiting a nearby mechanic shop.
How do you turn off the tyre pressure light?
The tyre pressure automatically stops flashing once the issue is addressed. If you inflate the tyres, the light should go off. If not, make sure the tyres have the appropriate PSI. For some newer vehicles, manufacturers allow you to reset the light using the dashboard computer. Typically, you should find the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light under the steering wheel.
If all the options don’t work, it’s time to have the TPMS diagnosed by a professional for any issues.
Plug Indicator Light
Faulty plugs may cause a misfire, which stresses the engine and catalytic converter and could lead to an expensive breakdown. If the check engine light is illuminated, pay attention immediately. A diesel engine uses glow plugs, while a petrol engine uses spark plugs.
Is it safe to drive with the glow plug light on?
To drive with the glow plug on depends on whether the light is blinking. Many cars will fail to start if the light is solid until it’s off.
If the light is blinking, you can still drive, but slowly. Avoid speeding until you reach a safe place to stop or your destination. The glow plug light (blinking or solid) indicates a problem that needs quick attention, so you should have it checked by a professional as soon as you can.
ABS Warning Lights
The light is ON when a fault is detected in the car’s ABS braking system. The anti-lock brake system is responsible for stopping your car during emergencies.
If your brake pedal doesn’t pulsate, get your car emergency brake inspected by a professional as soon as possible. However, if both the ABS indicator and brake warning light are displaying, it could indicate a major issue with your car brakes. In this case, you should have the braking system checked as well.
If you’re driving an electric vehicle (EV) and notice the vehicle’s Limited Electric Power Indicator Light is ON, the battery power is running low, and the car will soon stop.
While a hybrid car will switch to using stored petrol or diesel, a plug-in hybrid may require you to plug into an electric charging point at the nearest EV charging station.
You should always check the charge gauge to be sure the power is enough to see off your journey. Consult your mechanic if you’re concerned about your hybrid car.
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Why Do I Need to Pay Attention to My Car Warning Lights?
If your car dashboard lights are ON, your car is trying to get your attention about something—don’t ignore or delay verifying what it could mean.
Here are two important reasons why you need to take necessary measures as soon as possible when you detect the dashboard lights appear.
- To detect minor problems before they escalate to serious issues and eventual breakdown.
- To remind you of your regular maintenance checks
Maintenance Measures to Prevent Car Dashboard Warning Lights
You should regularly conduct a scheduled maintenance check to prevent dashboard warning lights. This will help avoid problems in the first place, saving you money and stress on repairs. Here is a list of preventive maintenance checks to do:
- Oil changes
- Tyre rotations
- Brake inspections
- Car fluids, including transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid
Regularly following your maintenance schedule can ensure you avoid any car warning lights and keep your car in good working condition.
An aspect of being a responsible driver is paying close attention to your car’s dash warning lights. The lighting system is designed to alert you of potential issues before they deteriorate into costly problems. When you see them, don’t ignore them; instead, make conscious efforts to detect and address the issue immediately.
