Light ’em Up: A Guide to Common Dashboard Warning Lights

Understanding dashboard warning lights is essential for both driver safety and vehicle health. Modern cars come equipped with advanced sensors that detect potential issues before they escalate. While some lights signal minor concerns, others indicate critical failures that require immediate attention. This guide explains 10 of the most common car warning lights and what they mean.

Fog Lights

Although not technically a warning light, the fog light symbol is a common dashboard indicator.

• It resembles the headlight symbol but with a squiggly line in front instead of straight beams.
• Some vehicles don’t come with fog lights, so you may never see this light.

Low Tire Pressure

The tire pressure warning light looks like an exclamation point inside a half-circle.

• This means one or more tires have low pressure.
• If this light appears, don’t panic. Instead, find a safe spot to stop and check your tires.
• If they seem low, drive carefully to the nearest gas station and add air.
• The light should turn off automatically once the tires are at the correct pressure.

Engine Oil Warning Light

A gravy boat-shaped symbol on the dashboard signals an issue with engine oil pressure.

• Low oil pressure can prevent proper lubrication, leading to engine damage.
• If ignored, the engine could seize, potentially leaving you stranded.
• It’s best to check oil levels immediately and visit a mechanic if necessary.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light appears when a sensor detects an issue with the engine or emissions system.

• It can indicate anything from a loose gas cap to a major mechanical failure.
• Issues can range from spark plug malfunctions to intake manifold problems or low compression.
• Unless you’re mechanically inclined, it’s best to have a trusted mechanic diagnose the issue.
• Addressing this light early can prevent costly repairs.

Traction or Stability Control Light

A symbol resembling a car with squiggly lines behind it signals a traction control issue.

• If this light is on, your stability control system may be partially or fully disabled.
• This could be because you turned it off manually for sporty driving.
• However, if you didn’t disable it, the system might have failed.
• It’s safest to reactivate traction control or visit a professional if the light stays on.

Coolant Level Warning Light

A thermometer symbol in your dashboard suggests your car is overheating.

• Stop the vehicle immediately and let the engine cool before checking anything.
• Once the engine is cool, carefully inspect the coolant level by opening the reservoir cap with a rag.
• If the engine or coolant reservoir is smoking, call a tow service rather than risk further damage.

Brake System Warning Light

An exclamation mark inside a circle indicates a brake system issue.

• This could signal low brake fluid or a faulty brake component.
• If this light appears, stop driving immediately and call for a tow.
• Driving with compromised brakes is extremely dangerous.

ABS Sensor Warning Light

Unlike the standard brake warning light, the ABS warning light signals a failure in the anti-lock braking system.

• If ABS is disabled, hard braking could cause the wheels to lock up, making it harder to stop safely.
• ABS is a critical safety feature, second only to seatbelts.
• A mechanic should inspect the system as soon as possible.

Airbag Warning Light

A symbol resembling a person with an airbag in front warns of an airbag system issue.

• This could indicate a faulty sensor or a failure in crash detection systems.
• If the airbag system isn’t working properly, it might fail to deploy in an accident.
• If this light stays on, have your airbag system checked immediately.

Battery Light

A small red battery icon means your vehicle is running solely on battery power.

• Normally, the alternator recharges the battery while the engine runs.
• If this light appears while driving, the charging system has failed, and the battery will eventually drain completely.
• If this happens, you’ll likely need a jump-start and a trip to a repair shop.

Unlock Gear Selector Light

This green brake-related icon appears only in automatic transmission vehicles.

• It reminds the driver to press the brake pedal before shifting out of Park.
• Once the brake is applied, the light should disappear.

Low Fuel Light

A fuel pump icon means your gas tank is nearly empty.

• Some vehicles activate this light when a set amount of fuel remains, while others use driving patterns to predict when fuel will run out.
• If this light appears, refuel as soon as possible.

Diesel Glow Plugs Active

A curlicue-shaped symbol is exclusive to diesel-powered vehicles and indicates glow plugs are active.

• Glow plugs warm the air in diesel engines for proper ignition.
• If this light blinks, it could signal a glow plug system malfunction.
• Related issues should be addressed to prevent starting problems.

Final Thoughts

Dashboard warning lights are your car’s way of communicating potential problems. Some indicators, like low fuel or fog lights, are harmless reminders, while others, such as the engine oil or brake warning lights, require immediate attention. Learning to recognize these symbols can prevent costly repairs and ensure a safer driving experience.

If a warning light appears on your dashboard, don’t ignore it—take action promptly to keep both you and your vehicle in top condition. 🚗💡