What Are Car Dashboard Warning Lights, And What Do They Mean

Modern dashboards have a number of lights which can be turned on and off depending on the situation. Some lights may seem basic, but there are others that are vital to know. They are called Car Dashboard Warning Lights and they alert us to the condition of our vehicle.

This blog will look at the different warnings that we can receive with the help from the dashboard lights.

Here are some basic warning lights for cars that follow our traffic light pattern:

• Green: The system is in use or working properly.
• Yellow: This light indicates that something isn’t working as it should, and you should get it checked out as soon as possible.
• Red: There is a serious and potentially dangerous issue – stop driving immediately when it is safe.

Symbols and Meanings of Car Dashboard Warning Lights

Check out the list below to get a deeper understanding of other dashboard symbols.

1. Brake Warning Light

This warning signal could glow at any time: after you fully release the parking brake or while driving. The warning light could come on at any time, such as after fully releasing the parking or while driving. This is best left to professionals unless you are familiar with the location of your brake fluid and know how to handle a situation.

There could be other dashboard warning lights that also glow with the brake warning. The ABS warning light may also be glowing in conjunction with the brake light. This could indicate that your brakes are not working properly. The Electronic Brake Force Distribution warning light (EBD), in this case, may also be on.

Can I Drive If My Brake Warning Light Is On?

When you see this dashboard warning light on, it is best to stop from driving. After the problem has been fixed, you can continue driving.

2. Engine Management Light

Also known as ECU or check engine warning light. This symbol will glow on your dashboard if your engine is not working correctly. This could be caused by anything, including a lack of power that causes stuttering when you press the pedal. This light can indicate a variety of faults. It could be a minor issue like a broken electric sensor, or a larger mechanical problem, such as a fault in your emission control system, catalytic convertor, or even as simple as tampering with the electrical wire.

Can I drive if the engine management light is on?

If you see the symbol on your dashboard, you don’t need to stop immediately, but you should have it checked out as soon as you can to prevent any damage.

3. Airbag Warning Light

This symbol is also called the SRS warning light. This car warning light will glow red if at least one airbag safety component is malfunctioning. The airbag system could be malfunctioning, or it could be the front passenger classification system that detects the weight and position of the passenger in order to deploy the airbag safely. Or the seat belt pretensioner system which tightens a belt during a collision.

Can I drive if the airbag warning light is on?

Airbags are one of the most vital components in a vehicle, since they keep the passengers safe in the event of an accident. This car sign indicates that the airbag may deploy even if there isn’t a collision. It is important to have the airbag checked out as soon as possible, given its importance.

4. Power Steering Warning Lamp

The EPAS or EPS warning light is the same car symbol that appears on the dashboard. This car warning light could indicate that the power steering is malfunctioning. This problem can be easily fixed by rebooting the computer. If you are in a safe place, you can always turn off your car and then turn it on again 30 seconds later. You should have your car checked if this light stays on. The power steering oil could be low or it could be something more serious. Getting a professional to look at the car is the best thing.

Can I drive if the power steering warning light is on?

You can still drive the car with the light on. However, if the power steering system breaks down, the vehicle will be harder to maneuver. It is therefore important to fix the problem as soon as possible.

5. Diesel Particulate Filter Warning Light

The DPF warning light or exhaust particulate sensor light is the other name for this dashboard light. Diesel engines are affected by this. This light will come on if the exhaust particulate filters are malfunctioning. The exhaust particulate filters remove harmful soot to reduce emissions. This could be an indication that the exhaust particulate filter is clogged with soot.

Can I drive if the diesel particulate filter light is on?

Continued driving with this problem can have many side effects. If you continue driving without fixing the problem, you will not only emit black smoke each time you press the accelerator but also cause considerable damage to your vehicle.

6. Engine Temperature Warning Lamp

The warning light can also be called the coolant temperature warning lamp. This light will be on on your dashboard if the engine overheats. This could be due to a leak or a bigger problem like a failed head gasket.

Can I drive if the engine temperature warning light is on?

Stop your vehicle immediately if you notice this light. Wait until the engine has cooled down. Open the hood to check for leaks once the engine has cooled down. You are ready to go if there are no leaks and the light is off. If you do not see any leaks, but the light remains on, you should have your vehicle checked. You could have a problem with the water and coolant in your radiator or something else. It is important to have your vehicle checked.

7. Coolant Levels Alarm Light

This warning light will glow if your coolant is running low. Coolant fluid absorbs heat from the engine and disperses that heat through the radiator to prevent overheating. This problem can be easily fixed by having your coolant fluid replaced.

Can I drive if the coolant level warning light is on?

When this light comes on, you should avoid long journeys at all costs. Fill up your coolant as soon as possible to prevent any damage to your vehicle.

8. Oil Warning Light

Low oil pressure or low engine oil is the name of this symbol that appears on your dashboard. This car symbol will glow on the dashboard if the oil temperature or oil pressure are too low. It is important to act quickly if the oil does not effectively lubricate the engine. This could cause expensive and even irreparable damage to the engine.

Can I drive if the oil warning light is on?

You should immediately stop your vehicle if you see the light. Check for leaks underneath your car as well as under your hood. The light may not go out if everything appears to be fine, but there could be a leak that you cannot see. In a situation such as this, it is best to take your vehicle to a professional.

9. Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

This symbol on your car means that you may have a puncture in one of your tires. This dashboard light that looks like an exclamation mark on a tyre indicates low or underinflated pressure in at least one tyre. It could occur over time or because of a puncture.

Can I drive with the low tire pressure warning light on while driving?

Avoid driving in these situations, as it will only make things worse. The first thing you should do is to check if you have a spare tire and how to repair it. If you do not have breakdown cover then choose that option. If none of the above options are available to you, you will need to call a professional and have them come to your vehicle to fix it.

10. Battery Warning Light

The warning light is also called the Battery Charge Light or the battery charging system. This light will be on if the battery isn’t charging. It could be a problem in your car’s electric system. This can include a faulty alternator or battery, a bad electrical connection, old battery, damaged cabling, or a faulty electrical connector.

Can I drive if the battery warning light is on?

You can still drive until the battery is dead. It’s best to fix the problem as soon as possible.

11. Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light

When you have to stop suddenly or are driving in difficult conditions like on ice roads, the ABS will come into play.

Can I drive if the battery anti-lock braking system warning light is on?

It is important to always keep a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles if this sign is illuminated. If the brake warning light also comes on at the same time, it may indicate that your brake system has failed. It’s better to have your vehicle checked in any case.

12. Electronic Stability Problem Warning Light

This symbol for a car is also called Electronic Stability Control. This warning light will glow if there is an issue with the traction control. It means that the ESP is working if it’s glowing. If you are driving on a slick road and the light remains on, this means that the ESP is not working correctly.

The ESP light may glow with OFF if the system is deactivated. This could indicate that you accidentally turned it off. Stop the engine, then restart it. If the light is still on after restarting the engine, have it checked by a mechanic as the ESP safety system is important.

13. Brake Pad Warning Light

This symbol is sometimes called the brake pad warning light. This symbol will light up if a sensor detects that your brake pads have become too thin.

Is it safe to drive with the brake pad warning light illuminated?

This light will usually illuminate before brake pads become too thin. It gives you enough time to fix them. In such a case, it is best to fix the brake pads immediately and not be negligent.

The Conclusion Of The Article Is:

Dashboard warning lights on cars are very important because they provide us with information about the condition and health of our vehicle. It is important to know what each symbol and sign means. A warranty is recommended for your vehicle. This will ensure that you are covered in the event of an repair and if you find yourself stranded, you can get help from a break down cover.