Car Dashboard Lights – What Do They Mean?

Dec 26, 2018

Check the article out to know different car dashboard lights and its meaning.

Different car models have different dashboard lights, but are drivers aware of its meaning? What do these dashboard lights mean? Is it important or just a car’s extra accessories?

Every vehicle’s dashboard lights serve a very important purpose. Dashboard lights have many icons that vary depending on the car's model. But each of it has a purpose that can either be a warning, reminder, or a signal that should not be ignored. Every driver should be familiarized with each of these icons. These are an indication of some serious problems that need immediate actions. This article from Philcarnews.com will let you know the meaning of each dashboard lights.

Usually, dashboard lights vary in color which indicates the seriousness of the mechanical error. Most of the times, warning colors are red, yellow and blue.

  • Red warning light: this often indicates that the car may have some serious mechanical and/or safety issues that need immediate attention of a car technician or professional. Sometimes, it indicates that your car needs maintenance check and service.
  • Yellow or orange light: this light often indicates that a vehicle’s component needs repair. If this light flashes, the best thing to do is contact your car dealer or repair shop.
  • Green or blue: this dashboard light is a simple indicator that a system is working and operating.

Take note of the colors of the warning lights. By simply remembering the color indicator, you will know if the problem is serious enough to have repairs and needs service maintenance. Some of the warning indicators that mean serious problems are the following:

1. Engine Temperature Warning Light

This icon is red in color. That means that this warning signal is serious enough that you need to stop driving while it’s still safe. This indicates that your engine is too hot and may cause your engine to overheat. There are many reasons that cause overheating and immediate repair is necessary. If these issues are left unattended, this may cause further damage that requires expensive repair.

Engine temperature warning light

Engine temperature warning light indicates that your car's engine is too hot that may lead to overheating

2. Automatic Steering / Steering System Warning Light

This icon can sometimes be yellow or red in color. Power steering systems have two different types. It can either be electric or hydraulic.  If you have a hydraulic power steering system, and this light comes on, it is an indication that the vehicle’s power steering fluid is low.

Check if there are leaks which results to a low steering fluid. If you have an electric power steering, this indicates that your car needs to be checked by a mechanic to diagnose the problem thoroughly. It is still safe to drive when this light is on but if it is not addressed immediately, it can result in your car losing its power steering that leads to difficult steering and control.

3. Airbag Fault and/or SRS Light

This icon can either be amber or red in color and this light shouldn’t be taken lightly. SRS light or supplemental restraint system light indicates that your car’s airbag may not deploy properly and/or seatbelts may not tighten in a crash. Although your car can still be driven, it will not be able to protect you if ever a crash happens. So it is best to take your car to a mechanic or repair shop to have the errors resolved.

airbag fault and SRS light

SRS light or supplemental restraint system light indicates that your car’s airbag may not deploy properly and/or seatbelts may not tighten in a crash

4. Brake System Light

Brake system light can be in the form of red exclamation icon or the word brake. This warning light means that something is wrong with your car’s brake system. There can either be a loss of pressure in the brake fluid system or a stuck parking brake. It is best to stop driving if this light comes on especially in conjunction in the ABS warning light.

Brake system light

Brake system light means that something is wrong with your car’s brake system

5. Anti-lock Braking System Light

This is one of those many warning light icons that are easy to identify. It is often yellow or orange in color and it literally spells ABS. So when you see the ABS light, this is an indication that something is wrong with your car’s anti-lock braking system. And it shouldn’t be taken lightly too. Have your braking system check as soon as possible to prevent any further damage or accident.

You can still drive when this light is on but not for long. If this light comes on together with the brake system light, it is best to park your car in the safe corner and call a tow. This is also an indication that your brakes will not function and work properly.

Anti-lock braking system

ABS light is an indication that something is wrong with your car’s anti-lock braking system

6. Battery Alert Light

Battery alert light is usually red in color. This is an indication that the charging system (belts, alternator etc.) of your car is not working. It also means that your car’s battery is running off of power. The warning color will turn red if the batter has drained off that means your car will stop working in a matter of minutes. So better stop in a safe area and call a tow to help you get your car to a repair shop or mechanic.

Battery alert light

Battery alert light This is an indication that the charging system of your car is not working and that your car’s battery is running off of power

Other important warning lights are the following:

  • Oil Pressure Light
  • Oil Change Light
  • Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator
  • Fuel Indicator symbol
  • Seatbelt Reminder Light
  • Fog Lamp Indicator
  • Security Light
  • Traction Control Malfunction
  • Washer Fluid Indicator
  • Tire Pressure
  • Hazard Lights On
  • Door open Alert
  • Cruise control On

These are just some of the warning lights that you will see in your dashboard.  It is every driver’s responsibility to know the meaning of each light warning signal. Each car model has different signal indicator icons but the purpose and meaning are still the same. To further know and understand its meaning, it is best to read the car’s manual. The car’s manual contains all the things you need to know about the car.

Don’t just take these warning lights lightly. Most of it indicates a serious mechanical problem that should be addressed and repaired as soon as possible. If not resolved immediately, these mechanical issues can cause more damage to your car. It can cost you lots of cash for expensive repairs, or worse, it can lead to an accident that can endanger your life and other people's life as well. That is why knowing and understanding the lights in your dashboard can greatly help you identify engine and mechanical errors easily.  

>>> Click to get more helpful tips and advice for safe driving

Source: Hanna Miel Sanchez

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