What do the little lights on my dashboard mean?
As a car owner, you’ve likely noticed the array of lights that illuminate your dashboard from time to time. These lights, often referred to as "indicator lights" or "warning lights," are your car's way of communicating with you. Understanding what these lights mean can help you address potential issues before they become major problems. At Kevin's Autos, we’ve been helping drivers decode these signals for years, so let’s dive into what these lights are trying to tell you.
Understanding the Basics of Dashboard Lights
Dashboard lights are categorized into two main types: warning lights and indicator lights. Each serves a specific purpose:
- Warning Lights: These lights indicate a problem or issue that requires immediate attention. They are often red or yellow in color.
- Indicator Lights: These lights provide information about the status of your vehicle, such as whether your headlights are on or if cruise control is activated. They are usually green or blue.
Common Dashboard Warning Lights and Their Meanings
Here are some of the most common warning lights you might encounter and what they signify:
- Check Engine Light: This light can indicate a variety of issues, ranging from a loose gas cap to a more serious engine problem. It’s best to have it checked by a professional as soon as possible.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light: This light means your car is experiencing low oil pressure, which could lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Battery Warning Light: If this light comes on, it could mean there’s an issue with your car’s charging system, such as a failing alternator or battery.
- Brake System Warning Light: This light may indicate low brake fluid, a problem with the brake system, or that your parking brake is engaged.
- Temperature Warning Light: This light signals that your engine is overheating. Pull over immediately and let the engine cool down before investigating further.
Common Dashboard Indicator Lights and Their Meanings
Indicator lights are less urgent but still important for understanding your car’s operation. Here are a few examples:
- Turn Signal Indicators: These flash when you activate your turn signals or hazard lights.
- High Beam Indicator: This light shows that your high beam headlights are on.
- Traction Control Indicator: This light indicates that your car’s traction control system is active, helping to prevent wheel slippage.
- Cruise Control Indicator: This light confirms that cruise control is engaged.
What to Do When a Dashboard Light Comes On
If a dashboard light comes on, follow these steps to ensure your safety and the health of your vehicle:
- Don’t Ignore It: Pay attention to the color and type of light. Red lights typically require immediate action, while yellow lights indicate a less urgent issue.
- Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Your car’s manual will provide specific information about each light and what it means for your vehicle.
- Visit a Professional: If you’re unsure about the cause of a warning light, bring your car to a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin’s Autos. We have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the issue.
Conclusion
Dashboard lights are your car’s way of keeping you informed about its health and functionality. By understanding what these lights mean and taking appropriate action, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Kevin’s Autos. We’re here to help you stay safe on the road!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Amber warning signs on dashboard?
Amber warning lights on dashboard
- Check engine light. The cause: A sensor has detected a problem with your engine.
- Tyre pressure warning light. The cause: The tyre-pressure monitoring system has detected a drop in pressure.
- Diesel glow plug indicator light.
- ABS warning light.
- Limited electric power indicator light.
What is the circle light on my dashboard?
The brake warning light features a red circle with an exclamation point or "P" in the middle, or simply the text "BRAKE." When illuminated, this light can indicate such things as routine notifications that your parking brake is engaged to warnings that there's a fault in your braking system, such as a failing master ...
What is the warning light for low transmission fluid?
When the level of transmission fluid goes down, you will get a warning light on the dashboard. The warning light indicates hotter temperatures than normal of the fluid, and there is a need to get the fluid checked.
What is the little yellow light on my dashboard?
Orange or yellow dashboard lights remind you that your car needs service soon, like an oil change or a gas fill-up. Yellow lights can also indicate that your car needs maintenance that doesn't present an immediate safety issue, like when something is wrong with your emissions system.
What is the most serious warning light on a car?
#1: Check Engine Light
The check engine light is something you shouldn't ignore because there are several possible reasons why this light could appear. Most common reasons include issues with the vehicle's emission system, engine components, or fuel compartment.
What is the amber light on my dashboard?
Yellow or amber lights
Yellow or amber warning lights indicate that there are critical issues requiring attention, but they are less serious than red ones. They normally signal an anomaly or vehicle malfunction, for example, that the car is low on fuel or that the tyre pressure is incorrect .
What does the light symbol on my dash mean?
The blue light indicates the High Beam headlights are on (be sure to dim these for oncoming traffic.) A similar light, but green, indicates the Low Beam headlights are on. A light symbol with the dashes pointed downward, usually with a slash through the dashes, means the fog lights are on.
What is the most serious warning light in a car?
Arguably the most notorious warning light, the engine management or check engine light indicates a potential issue with the vehicle's engine or emissions system. This light can be triggered by a range of issues, from minor issues such as a faulty electrical sensor to a more complex fault with your catalytic converter.
What is the transmission light symbol?
This light, often shaped like a gear with an exclamation mark, signals potential troubles such as low transmission fluid, electrical issues, faulty sensors, wiring issues, or clutch problems.
What do 18 symbols on your car dashboard mean?
Here are 20 common car dashboard symbols and their meanings.
- Check Engine Light. Symbol: An engine outline.
- Battery Warning Light. Symbol: A battery icon.
- Oil Pressure Warning. Symbol: An oil can.
- Brake System Warning.
- Tyre Pressure Warning.
- Coolant Temperature Warning.
- Airbag Warning.
- ABS Warning Light.
