Car Warning Lights: Understanding Their Importance and Meaning

Car warning symbols are indication lights that alert the driver of a potential issue in the car's system. They work like a communication system, conveying an important message about a specific issue that needs attention.

• The cars' warning symbols play a critical role in sending out alerts and ensuring the safe and optimal functioning of various parts. They are an integral part of the vehicle's on board diagnostics system, which indicates the nature and severity of the underlying issue.

• The car warning signals appear in different colours to make the indication crystal clear. The colours allow the driver to identify the seriousness of an issue and take the necessary steps.

• The most commonly used colours on the dashboard are red, amber(yellow), green or blue.

Here is what each of the warning colours means:

Red: If the car dashboard shows a red light flashing, it is indicative of a severe issue that requires immediate action. You must address the problem without much delay to prevent car damage and ensure passenger safety.

Amber: When the dashboard shows an amber(yellow) light, it indicates a problem that requires a prompt but not immediate action. However, prolonging the action can cause severe damage.

Green/Blue: A green or blue light indicates that a particular system in your car is in operation.

Since modern vehicles integrate complex parts and machinery, it is crucial to pay attention to the indicators. Here are why the car dashboard symbols are important:

Alert the Driver: Car dashboard lights are crucial as they are the first indicator of a potential problem in the car’s system. They alert the driver and make him aware that a problem needs immediate attention.

Safety Mechanism: If a crucial problem goes unnoticed, it can hamper the safety of the passengers. Therefore, the dashboard lights serve as a safety mechanism and notify the driver about the underlying problems, ensuring safety and security.

Saves From Costly Repairs: Addressing the problem in the car’s system on time saves money that would otherwise be spent if the problem turned into a bigger one.

Saves the Car From Damage: The dashboard lights signal you to look into the problem in the very beginning, ensuring the car is saved from significant damage.

Let us understand the most common dashboard signals and their meanings in depth.

Check Engine Light: The check engine light check (CEL) symbol is a yellow indicator on the dashboard that requires your attention. It indicates a problem with the engine or the emission system caused by oxygen sensors, spark plugs, loose gas caps, etc.

When you see this indicator, you may pull over and check the gas cap, etc. If you do not find any visible issue, you must schedule a check-up with a certified mechanic to assess the problem.

Oil Pressure Warning Light: Engine oil lubricates the engines and absorbs the excess friction so the engine can function smoothly. Therefore, a sufficient quantity of engine oil is required to keep the engine running.

When the oil pressure drops, the warning light will come on. When the oil pressure light flashes, you must stop the car and check the oil levels. If the levels are low, you can fill it as needed.

However, if the indicator light flashes despite normal oil levels, the problem could be a leak in the circulation system or a fault in the oil pump.

Battery System Light: If the battery cables or serpentine belts are damaged, the battery system light will flash on the car's dashboard. When you see the light flashing, you must immediately have it inspected by a mechanic and have the battery changed or the loose or damaged cables fixed.

Brake System Warning Light: A car’s brakes are the most crucial safety feature and must be in top condition at all times. The break alert light usually appears when the handbrake is engaged.

However, if the instrumental panel warning light shows the brake alert indicator when the handbrake is not applied, it indicates an issue with the braking system. The causes can be worn-out brake pads, low brake fluid, etc. It is necessary to get your braking system checked immediately by a certified mechanic.

Airbag System Warning: Airbags play a crucial role in accidents or collisions, protecting passengers from serious injuries. If one or more airbags in the car are defective, the dashboard will flash the airbag warning light, alerting you of an underlying issue. You must promptly take the car to a mechanic and get the airbag system inspected and fixed if required.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Warning: Optimal tyre pressure is essential for efficient fuel economy, tyre grip, and extended tyre life. However, when one or more tyres of the vehicle have a pressure lower than the required levels, the tyre pressure warning light will flash on the dashboard.

When you see the tyre pressure indicator, you can visit the nearest air-filling station and get the air filled for a smooth driving experience.

Engine Temperature Warning Light: The car’s engine temperature must be at an optimal level for the vehicle to perform well. However, if the coolant levels are low, the engine starts to heat up, and the engine temperature warning light starts flashing.

The coolants may have leaked out from the system, or there can be a head gasket failure, leading to engine heat-up. If the temperature light is red, you should stop immediately, as the engine can get overheated, causing irreparable damage.

ABS Warning Light: The ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) is a feature, preventing the wheels from locking when you apply a hard brake, preventing the car from coming to a complete stop. If you see the ABS warning light, take your car to a repair shop and get it checked.

Fuel Warning Light: Most drivers are aware of the low fuel indicator light on the dashboard as it is one of the most fundamental indicators. A low fuel light means your car fuel levels are low and that you must refill it immediately. Another reason for the fuel indicator may be a faulty fuel sensor.

Power Steering Warning: If the power steering system is having an issue, the indicator will light up. It indicates that the power steering has become heavy or that the control is reduced. The problem may be caused by low fluid, a fault in the pump, or a damaged belt.

Seatbelt Warning: The seatbelt is a safety feature that safeguards the passengers during the journey. If one or more passengers are not wearing the seatbelt, the dashboard indicator will light up to alert the passengers.

Electronic Stability Control Light (ESC) Light: If any malfunction is detected in the ESC system or if the vehicle is going out of control, the ESC light will begin to flash on the dashboard.

It can be caused by an error in the functioning of the speed sensor, ESC/TCS module, or ABS sensor. You must visit an authorised garage to fix the problem.

Diesel Particulate Filter Light: Diesel cars have the DPF warning light flashing when the diesel filter is choked. Though the car will continue to run, a clogged diesel filter can reduce fuel efficiency, affect the vehicle performance, and damage the engine.

You can try driving at a high speed to burn off the soot or seek assistance from a professional.

Adaptive Cruise Control Light: When the ACC warning light flashes, it is indicative of an unsafe following distance, faulty ACC sensors, or bad weather. You must disable the ACC in the vehicle and visit a service centre for diagnosis and repair.

Some other car warning symbols include:

• Glow plug warning light

• Transmission temperature warning light

• Washer fluid level warning light

• High beam indicator light

• Door warning lights

• Think calmly and do not rush into making impulsive decisions.

• Identify the light and its corresponding colour to understand the signal and its urgency.

• If you have the car manual, you can read through it to decipher the meaning of the warning light.

• In case of a red warning light, you must immediately pull over and switch off the engine.

• If the warning light is amber or yellow, you must take it to a service centre and have the issue fixed.

• It is advisable to pay attention to the dashboard and beware of any warning lights. Ignoring the warning light can lead to severe damage and costly repairs.

All car dashboards are equipped with features to issue a warning when any component of the car malfunctions.The warning lights alert you to look into the car's system and get the issue fixed before it's too late.

Though the meaning and appearance of the warning lights differ from one model to another, they do indicate something that needs your attention.

Therefore, if you see a car warning light flashing on the dashboard, you must try to understand its meaning and act according to the urgency. If the warning light is red, the urgency is high, and if the light is amber, the urgency is low.

In any case, you must take your car to an authorised and genuine service centre. Get the issue diagnosed and fix it as required.

What should be done if a warning light flashes continuously?

If a warning light flashes continuously, it indicates that there is a serious problem with the car. You should immediately stop the car and look into the problem. It is advisable to contact a mechanic and seek assistance.

Which warning lights are serious?

All the warning lights indicate an issue with the car’s functioning. However, some of them are more serious than others and need immediate action.

• ABS warning light

• Check engine light

• Oil pressure warning light

• Engine temperature warning light

What are hazard car lights?

Hazard car lights in a car ate intermittent flashing light that should be turned on when you want to indicate that your vehicle is stationary.