We’ve all experienced that moment of mild panic: you’re driving along, perhaps enjoying your favorite tunes, when suddenly a light illuminates on your car’s dashboard. A new symbol appears, and you’re left wondering, “What does that mean?” and more importantly, “Is it serious?”
Understanding your car’s dashboard symbols is crucial for every driver. While some symbols are self-explanatory, others can be cryptic. Knowing what these warning lights indicate can help you address minor issues before they become major, costly repairs, or even safety hazards.
This guide will break down the meaning of common car dashboard light symbols, helping you to quickly identify what your car is trying to tell you.
Understanding the Color Codes of Car Dashboard Symbols
Before we dive into specific symbols, it’s important to understand the color-coding system used for dashboard lights. Colors are your first clue to the urgency and type of issue:
- Green or Blue: These lights are generally informative. They indicate that a system is active and functioning correctly. For example, your headlights being on or cruise control being engaged.
- Yellow or Amber: These are warning lights that signal a potential problem or the need for maintenance soon. While not always critical emergencies, yellow lights shouldn’t be ignored for long. They often indicate issues that require attention in the near future.
- Red: Red lights signal serious problems that require immediate attention. A red warning light often indicates a safety issue or a critical mechanical problem that could lead to damage or breakdown if ignored. If a red light appears, it’s crucial to assess the situation and take appropriate action, which might include pulling over safely.
Keep in mind that while this guide covers common symbols, your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the ultimate resource. Symbols can vary slightly between manufacturers and models. Always consult your manual for the most accurate and vehicle-specific information.
Also, remember that many dashboard lights will briefly illuminate when you first start your car as part of a system check. This is normal. As long as these lights turn off within a few seconds, it indicates that the system is functioning correctly. It’s when a light stays on, or illuminates while driving, that you need to pay attention.
18 Essential Car Warning Light Symbols and Their Meanings
Below, we’ll explore 18 common warning lights you might encounter on your dashboard, categorized by their potential severity.
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light 2. Tire Pressure Warning Light 3. Engine Temperature Warning Light 4. Traction Control Alert Light 5. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light 6. Traction Control Malfunction Light 7. Check Engine Light 8. Battery Alert Light 9. Low Fuel Indicator Light 10. Automatic Shift Lock Indicator Light 11. Seat Belt Reminder Light 12. Airbag Warning Light 13. Security Indicator Light 14. Fog Lamp Indicator Light 15. Washer Fluid Indicator Light 16. Brake Warning Light 17. Lane Departure Warning Light 18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: Represented by a classic oil can symbol, this light indicates a problem with your engine’s oil pressure system. This could mean you have low oil levels or that your oil pump isn’t effectively circulating oil to lubricate your engine’s internal parts. (Some vehicles may display the word “OIL” instead of the symbol).
What To Do: This is a serious warning. Insufficient engine lubrication can lead to significant engine damage. Safely pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible and turn off your engine. Check your engine oil level using the dipstick. Look for any obvious oil leaks around the engine.
If your oil level is low, adding oil might resolve the issue and turn off the light. However, if the oil level is sufficient, but the light remains on or the engine sounds noisy, it could indicate a faulty oil pump. Even if the oil level seems fine and the engine runs smoothly, a malfunctioning oil pressure sensor could be the culprit. Regardless, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic promptly to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.
Read more about oil changes and engine health.
2. Tire Pressure Warning Light (TPMS)
What It Means: Often resembling a horseshoe shape with an exclamation point inside, this symbol is your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) indicator. It signifies an issue with your tire pressure.
A solid TPMS light means that one or more of your tires are underinflated or overinflated. A flashing TPMS light, which typically flashes for 60-90 seconds upon starting the vehicle and then stays on, indicates a malfunction within the TPMS system itself, such as a sensor problem, even if your tire pressure is correct.
What To Do: Driving with improper tire pressure is not only unsafe but can also lead to premature tire wear and reduced fuel efficiency. Stop at the nearest safe location and check your tire pressures. Inflate or deflate your tires to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual.
Many tire shops and gas stations offer free air pumps. If the light persists after adjusting tire pressure, or if it was flashing, it’s advisable to have your TPMS system checked by a professional. While a malfunctioning TPMS sensor won’t directly impact tire performance, it will prevent the system from alerting you to future pressure issues.
Learn more about TPMS and tire maintenance.
3. Engine Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, often depicted as a thermometer submerged in liquid, indicates that your engine is overheating. Overheating is often related to the engine coolant (antifreeze) system, but can stem from various causes, such as a coolant leak, a faulty thermostat, or a radiator issue.
What To Do: Engine overheating can cause severe engine damage. Immediately take action. First, try turning off your air conditioning and turning your heater on to its highest setting with the fan blowing. This can help draw heat away from the engine. If the light doesn’t turn off after a few minutes, pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine completely. Do not open the hood immediately as there could be hot steam or coolant that could cause burns.
Allow the engine to cool down for at least 15-20 minutes. While waiting, plan your next steps. Contacting roadside assistance is a good option to have coolant added or to arrange for a tow to a repair shop if necessary. Driving a severely overheated engine can lead to irreparable damage.
Understand the dangers of engine overheating.
4. Traction Control Light
What It Means: This symbol, often showing a car with squiggly lines underneath, signifies that your vehicle’s traction control system is actively engaged. The traction control system helps maintain control by preventing wheelspin, especially on slippery surfaces like rain or snow. It works by using the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to detect if a wheel is losing traction and then applies braking force to that wheel until traction is regained.
What To Do: If this light is flashing, it simply means the system is working as intended to help you maintain traction. Continue driving cautiously, being mindful of potentially slippery road conditions. There is no immediate action needed.
5. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light
What It Means: Usually displayed as “ABS” in illuminated letters, this light indicates a problem within your Anti-lock Braking System. ABS is a critical safety feature that prevents your wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control in emergency braking situations or on slippery surfaces. When the ABS light is on, the system is not functioning.
What To Do: Since ABS is a vital safety system, it’s important to address this warning promptly. While your regular brakes will still function, the anti-lock feature will be disabled. Schedule an appointment with a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and repair the ABS issue. Driving without ABS, especially in challenging conditions, can increase your risk of losing control during braking.
Learn more about how ABS works and its importance.
6. Traction Control Malfunction Light
What It Means: This light, which may look similar to the traction control activation light but often remains steadily illuminated (not flashing), signals a malfunction in the traction control system. In some vehicles, the ABS and traction control systems share components, so this light might also indicate a problem related to the ABS. It suggests a sensor issue, a damaged component, or another fault within the system.
What To Do: While a traction control malfunction might not affect your everyday driving in normal conditions, it means that this safety system may not be available when you need it, such as in rain, snow, or on gravel roads. It’s recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic to diagnose and repair the traction control system to ensure it functions correctly when needed.
7. Check Engine Light
What It Means: Often represented by an engine symbol, the check engine light (sometimes also displayed as “CHECK ENGINE”) is one of the more ambiguous warning lights. It can illuminate for a wide range of reasons, from minor to serious. A common minor cause is a loose or missing gas cap, which can cause fuel vapors to escape. More serious causes can include issues with the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, or even engine misfires. (Some dashboards might display “CHECK ENGINE” text).
What To Do: The severity of a check engine light depends on its behavior. If the light is solid and your car seems to be driving normally without unusual noises or smells, you can often drive cautiously for a short distance, ideally to your home or a trusted repair shop.
However, if the check engine light is flashing, this is a more urgent warning. A flashing check engine light often indicates a serious issue, such as an engine misfire, that could cause significant damage if ignored. In this case, it’s advisable to stop driving as soon as safely possible and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop for diagnosis. Regardless of whether it’s solid or flashing, it’s important to get the check engine light diagnosed by a professional mechanic to determine the underlying problem and have it repaired promptly.
Understand more about the check engine light and when to worry.
8. Battery Alert Light
What It Means: Symbolized by a battery icon, this light indicates a problem with your vehicle’s charging system. This could stem from various issues, including a loose or corroded battery cable, a failing alternator (which charges the battery while the engine is running), or other electrical faults within the charging circuit. You might notice symptoms like dimming headlights, a fading clock display, or difficulty starting the car.
What To Do: A faulty charging system can leave you stranded with a dead battery. It’s best to have your vehicle’s charging system inspected as soon as possible. A mechanic can test the battery and alternator to pinpoint the problem. Ignoring this light can lead to your car not starting at all.
Troubleshoot car starting problems related to the electrical system.
9. Low Fuel Indicator Light
What It Means: Represented by a fuel pump symbol, this light is straightforward: it means your fuel level is low and you need to refuel soon.
What To Do: Refuel as soon as possible. While you might have some driving range left after the light illuminates, it’s best not to push your luck, especially considering unexpected traffic or detours. Running completely out of fuel can leave you stranded and can potentially damage certain fuel system components.
Bonus Tip: Most vehicles have a small arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on your fuel gauge. This arrow indicates which side of your car the fuel tank filler door is located on – a handy feature when pulling into a gas station.
10. Automatic Shift Lock Indicator Light
What It Means: This symbol, often a foot pressing a pedal, typically appears when you are trying to shift out of “Park” or start the engine without pressing the brake pedal. Automatic transmissions have a shift lock mechanism that prevents shifting out of “Park” unless the brake pedal is depressed.
What To Do: Simply press firmly on the brake pedal and then attempt to shift gears or start the ignition. The light should turn off, and you should be able to proceed.
11. Seat Belt Reminder Light
What It Means: Usually depicted as a person wearing a seat belt, this light is a simple reminder to fasten your seatbelt. It’s often accompanied by an audible chime or beeping sound.
What To Do: Buckle your seatbelt! Seat belts are a primary safety feature in vehicles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seat belts significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries in car crashes.
Learn about seat belt safety statistics from the CDC.
12. Airbag Warning Light
What It Means: This light, often displaying the word “AIRBAG” or a symbol of a person with an airbag deploying, indicates a problem with your vehicle’s airbag system. This could be a malfunction in one or more airbags, the airbag sensors, or the system’s control module.
What To Do: An airbag malfunction is a serious safety concern. Airbags are designed to deploy in a collision to protect occupants. If the warning light is on, your airbags may not deploy properly in an accident. It’s crucial to have your airbag system inspected and repaired immediately by a qualified technician.
13. Security Indicator Light
What It Means: This light, sometimes a padlock symbol or a car key silhouette, relates to your vehicle’s anti-theft or security system. Its behavior can indicate different states:
- Blinking: A regularly blinking security light usually indicates that the security system is armed and active, which is normal when the car is locked or turned off.
- Solid (and car won’t start): A solid security light that prevents the car from starting suggests that the immobilizer system has been activated, possibly due to a perceived security threat or a system malfunction.
- Solid (and car is running normally): If the security light is solid while the car is running normally, it may indicate a malfunction within the security system itself that needs attention.
What To Do: If your vehicle is immobilized due to the security system, consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to deactivate or reset the system. This might involve using your key fob in a specific way or entering a security code. If the light indicates a malfunction, have your security system checked by a technician to ensure it’s functioning correctly to protect against theft.
14. Fog Lamp Indicator Light
What It Means: This symbol, often showing a headlight with a wavy line through the beam, indicates that your fog lights are turned on.
What To Do: Fog lights are designed for use in low-visibility conditions like fog, heavy rain, or snow. They should only be used when visibility is significantly reduced (typically less than 100 yards). Using fog lights in clear conditions can create glare for other drivers and is often illegal. Remember to turn them off when visibility improves.
15. Washer Fluid Indicator Light
What It Means: Depicting a windshield with water spraying, this light indicates that your windshield washer fluid reservoir is low and needs to be refilled.
What To Do: Replenish your windshield washer fluid as soon as it’s convenient. Having adequate washer fluid is essential for maintaining clear visibility, especially in dirty or inclement weather conditions.
16. Brake Warning Light
What It Means: This light can appear in two forms: the word “BRAKE” illuminated in red, or an exclamation point inside a circle, often enclosed in parentheses. It can indicate two primary issues:
- Parking Brake Engaged: The most common reason for this light is that the parking brake (emergency brake) is engaged.
- Brake System Problem: If the parking brake is not engaged, the light can signal a more serious issue within your braking system, such as low brake fluid level or a problem with the brake components themselves.
What To Do: First, ensure that your parking brake is fully disengaged. If the light remains on after releasing the parking brake, it indicates a potential brake system problem. In this case, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected immediately. Brake system issues are serious safety hazards. If you suspect a brake problem, it’s best to have your car towed to a repair shop rather than driving it.
17. Lane Departure Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, often showing lane markings with a car drifting out of lane, indicates that your vehicle’s lane departure warning system is active. This system is designed to alert you if it detects your vehicle drifting out of its lane unintentionally.
What To Do: If this light illuminates, it means the system has detected lane drift. Correct your steering to stay within your lane. The system might also activate when you intentionally change lanes with your turn signal, depending on the system’s programming. If the light is consistently activating when you are driving straight within your lane, it could indicate a system malfunction or the need for system recalibration.
18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, often depicted as a gear with an exclamation point or a thermometer inside, indicates that your transmission is overheating. Transmission overheating can be caused by low transmission fluid, worn transmission components, heavy towing, or other factors that put excessive stress on the transmission.
What To Do: Transmission overheating is a serious issue that can lead to significant transmission damage. If this light appears, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible and turn off the vehicle to allow the transmission to cool down. Wait for a significant amount of time before attempting to drive again. Check your owner’s manual for any specific recommendations. It’s best to have your vehicle towed to a repair shop for diagnosis and repair, especially if the light persists or reappears quickly after restarting. Driving with an overheated transmission can cause expensive damage.
Still Having Car Trouble?
Dashboard warning lights are your car’s way of communicating potential issues. Understanding these car light symbols meaning is the first step in proactive vehicle maintenance and safety. If you’re unsure about a warning light or experiencing car trouble, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Whether it’s a simple oil change or a more complex repair indicated by a dashboard light, Virginia Tire & Auto’s expert technicians are here to assist you. We can accurately diagnose the cause of any warning light and provide the necessary repairs to get you back on the road safely and with peace of mind. Schedule your service appointment today! Find a Virginia Tire & Auto location near you.
