When a symbol pops up on your card dashboard that you have no idea what means, it can be quite scary.
Modern cars are filled with clever electronics and warning lights, which can help you detect when something goes wrong, helping you avoid a breakdown. You might have learned what they meant when you were doing your theory test, but if you’ve forgotten, you’re not the only one.
The TikTok account for ETABS Auto Express recently shared an image of lots of different warning lights and what they mean. It was clear from the comment section that many were confused.
Firstly, it’s important to know that the warning lights on your dashboard will follow a traffic light colour system. So if it’s green, the system is working correctly or is currently in use. If it’s yellow, something isn’t working correctly, so you should take extra care and try to fix it as soon as possible. If the warning light is red there is a serious, potentially dangerous problem, so you should stop driving as soon as it’s safe to do so.
In the TikTok, there are three green symbols: turn signals, fog lights and headlights on. These signal that these are working properly. Meanwhile, the high beans symbol is blue to differentiate it from the headlights.
Here is a list of the other symbols and what they mean, as per RAC:
- Airbag warning
At least one element of the airbag safety system isn’t working correctly.
- Seatbelt not on
- Emergency brake
- Anti-lock brake system warning
ABS is an important safety feature that comes into play when you need to make an abrupt stop, or when driving on icy roads. If this comes on by itself it means you should still have normal, unassisted braking, but you should still get it checked as soon as possible.
If it comes on with a brake warning light, it could mean the brake system is failing, which means you should stop straight away.
- Tire pressure low
- Hazard lights
- Temperature warning
- Door open
- Low fuel
- Low wiper fluid
- Engine warning
This is a telltale sign your engine isn’t working properly. It can indicate a number of faults, from minor issues like a broken electrical sensor to a much larger technical issue, such as a fault with your emission control system.
- Glow plug/diesel pre-heat warning
The engine’s glow plugs are warming up. It’s not recommended to start the engine until this light goes out.
- Oil pressure low
This is a serious warning and you need to stop as soon as you can to top up as needed.
- Winter mode/frost warning
- Traction Control Light/Electronic stability problem (ESP)
If this is flashing the ESP system is intervening, but if it stays on it means it’s not working properly. If it’s deactivated you will see the word OFF.
- Battery alert light
- Automatic shift lock or engine start indicator light
- Security indicator light
- Lane departure warning light
- Transmission temperature warning light
- Rear window defrost