Your car dashboard is not just a display — it’s your car’s way of talking to you. Whether you drive a petrol or diesel vehicle, car warning light symbols and indicators help you spot issues early and prevent bigger problems down the line.
In this simple guide, we’ll explain the most common car warning light symbols and indicators, what each one means, and what action you should take when they appear. This is written in plain English, no technical jargon, and no AI-sounding fluff.
What Are Car Warning Light Symbols?
Car warning lights are visual alerts shown on your dashboard (instrument cluster) that inform you about the condition of your vehicle. These lights appear in red, amber/yellow, green, or blue colors, and each color signals a different level of urgency.
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Red = Serious issue. Stop immediately.
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Amber/Yellow = Warning. Needs attention soon.
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Green/Blue = Informational. Something is working as intended.
Let’s now go through the top car warning light symbols and indicators you might see and what they actually mean.
1. Check Engine Light
Symbol: Outline of an engine
Color: Amber/Yellow
This is one of the most well-known warning symbols. It can come on due to dozens of reasons, like a loose fuel cap, faulty oxygen sensor, or engine misfire.
What to do:
If it flashes — stop immediately.
If it stays solid — book a diagnostic check soon.
2. Oil Pressure Warning Light
Symbol: Oil can with a drop
Color: Red
This means the oil pressure in your engine is too low. Driving with low oil pressure can permanently damage the engine.
What to do:
Pull over safely, turn off the engine, and check the oil level. Don’t drive if the light remains on.
3. Battery Charge Warning Light
Symbol: Battery icon
Color: Red
This light means your car’s battery isn’t charging properly. Could be due to a failing alternator, broken belt, or bad battery.
What to do:
Avoid turning the car off until you reach a garage. If the battery dies, the car may not restart.
4. Engine Temperature Warning Light
Symbol: Thermometer in liquid
Color: Red
It means your engine is overheating, often caused by low coolant, faulty thermostat, or radiator issues.
What to do:
Stop the car immediately, turn off the engine, and allow it to cool. Don’t open the radiator cap while hot.
5. Brake System Warning Light
Symbol: Circle with exclamation mark or “P”
Color: Red
If this light stays on, your parking brake may be engaged or there’s a serious brake issue like low brake fluid or worn-out pads.
What to do:
Ensure the handbrake is fully released. If light remains, get your brakes checked urgently.
6. ABS Warning Light (Anti-lock Braking System)
Symbol: Circle with “ABS”
Color: Amber
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during sudden braking. If this light appears, ABS might not work.
What to do:
Normal brakes will still function, but drive cautiously and get the system inspected.
7. Airbag Warning Light
Symbol: Person with circle (airbag) in front
Color: Red
This light means there’s a problem with the airbag system. In a crash, the airbags may not deploy correctly.
What to do:
Book a repair immediately. This is a safety hazard.
8. Tire Pressure Warning Light (TPMS)
Symbol: Flat tire with exclamation point
Color: Amber
This light tells you one or more tires have low air pressure. Poor tire pressure affects fuel economy and handling.
What to do:
Check all tires with a pressure gauge and inflate them as needed.
9. Traction Control or ESP Light
Symbol: Car with wavy lines
Color: Amber
This light means the traction control or stability system is either active or faulty.
What to do:
If flashing, the system is helping maintain grip. If it stays on, the system might be disabled or need service.
10. Glow Plug Warning Light (Diesel Cars Only)
Symbol: Coil or spiral
Color: Amber
In diesel cars, this light shows that the glow plugs are warming up for a cold start. If it keeps flashing, there’s a glow plug issue.
What to do:
Wait for the light to turn off before starting. If flashing, get your car checked.
11. AdBlue Warning Light (Diesel Cars)
Symbol: Container with drop
Color: Amber
This light comes on when AdBlue fluid is low. Modern diesel cars use AdBlue to reduce harmful emissions.
What to do:
Refill the AdBlue tank. If it runs out, your car won’t start.
12. DPF Warning Light (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Symbol: Rectangle with dots
Color: Amber
This means the DPF is blocked and needs regeneration.
What to do:
Drive at 40–60 km/h for 20 minutes to allow auto-cleaning. If the light stays on, visit a mechanic.
13. Washer Fluid Warning Light
Symbol: Windshield with water spray
Color: Amber
This indicates the washer fluid is low.
What to do:
Refill with regular windshield washer fluid. Don’t ignore it, especially in rainy or dusty areas.
14. Door Open Warning Light
Symbol: Car with open doors
Color: Red
It simply shows a door, boot, or bonnet is open.
What to do:
Close all doors properly before driving.
15. Seat Belt Reminder Light
Symbol: Person with seatbelt
Color: Red or flashing
It reminds you (and sometimes passengers) to wear seatbelts. May come with a beeping sound.
What to do:
Buckle up! It’s the law and a safety necessity.
16. Fuel Warning Light
Symbol: Fuel pump icon
Color: Amber
It means your fuel tank is running low.
What to do:
Refuel soon. Don’t drive a diesel car until it runs dry — it can harm the fuel system.
17. Cruise Control Indicator
Symbol: Speedometer with an arrow
Color: Green
This tells you that cruise control is active. Not a warning — just information.
Why You Should Never Ignore Dashboard Lights
Ignoring car warning light symbols and indicators can lead to:
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Expensive repairs
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Engine failure
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Safety risks
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Poor mileage
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Emission test failure
Modern cars are smart. These lights exist for a reason. Catching problems early can save you thousands and keep you safe on the road.
What To Do If a Warning Light Comes On
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Understand the color:
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Red = Stop the car.
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Amber = Caution. Check it soon.
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Green/Blue = Just info.
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Check the manual:
Every car has a guide that explains all dashboard lights. -
Don’t panic:
Some lights come on briefly and then go off. That’s normal. -
Use a scan tool:
A basic OBD2 scanner can tell you what error code is triggering the light. -
Visit a garage:
If unsure, it’s always better to get expert help.
Final Words
Understanding car warning light symbols and indicators is essential for every driver. These little lights are not just annoying — they are your car’s early warning system. The more you know about them, the more confident and safe you’ll be behind the wheel.
Save this guide, print it out, or keep a copy in your glove box. The next time a dashboard light flashes, you won’t be guessing — you’ll be in control.