Warning lights are indicators that light up on your dashboard whenever something goes wrong or whenever a safety function is activated. This light could signify a number of different things, some of which could be rather serious. All the warning lights should come on when you turn the key to the “ON” position, indicating that the signal/bulb is functioning properly. Once the vehicle is started, these caution lights turn out, leaving only those that pertain to a malfunction or an engaged component, such as the handbrake. Car Dashboard Warning Lights.
Understanding Car Dashboard Warning Lights
SYMBOLS OF CAUTION
The colour red is commonly used for warning signs. They usually point to anything unsafe or problematic that needs checking right away.
Alarm for Rising Engine Temperature
As a result, the engine temperature has risen above safe levels. If this light comes on, examine the radiator for leaks, the cap, the coolant level, and the functionality of the fan. Since continuing to drive while this warning is on can severely harm your engine, you should stop the automobile immediately. If the icon is blue, it implies that the coolant temperature is below the threshold for optimum performance. Typically, the symbol will appear when you first start your car in the morning and then go away as the engine heats up.
High Oil Pressure
This warning light stays on when oil pressure drops. The oil pressure and level need to be checked right away. It’s dangerous to keep this light on while driving.
Low Battery Alert
The electrical system of your vehicle is malfunctioning. Something in the engine bay, like the alternator, battery, a connector, or the wiring, may be broken. If the alternator isn’t recharging the car’s battery while the vehicle is in motion, the vehicle will eventually run out of juice and come to a stop. There’s a possibility that the alternator drive belt broke, which would cause the light to come on. As the belt is also used by other systems, like the engine coolant pump and the power steering, a breakdown here could have far-reaching consequences.
Indicator of the Need to Apply the Brakes
You probably drove off with the handbrake engaged. But if it’s still on while you’re driving, it could be a sign of something more serious than just low brake fluid. If your red brake light is blinking or coming on and off randomly, but the brake pedal feels the same, you should get your car checked out as soon as possible. However, if the indicator stays on, you should pull over to the shoulder and have the car towed to a repair shop.
Alarm for the Airbag
The airbag warning light indicates a problem with the system if it comes on. Get your car checked out right away by a professional garage or authorized dealer.
Safety Belt Light
In other words, you are not fastened into your seat. Even though it’s been proven that seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of death or serious injury in the event of a collision, millions of people still choose not to wear them. Put on your seatbelt and hang on for the ride, dude.
PUBLIC SAFETY ICONS
These signs typically appear in amber, though their colour may vary from vehicle to vehicle. The severity of the situation may dictate that they not be ignored.
Performing a Pre-Ride Inspection of the Engine
Vehicles equipped with an Engine Control Unit will display this icon (ECU). That the ECU has picked up on a problem that can only be diagnosed with a professional diagnostic tool. Problems that trigger error codes may be as minor as a defective electrical sensor, or they may indicate a more serious underlying mechanical problem.
Turn Signal With Traction Control
To put it another way, your car is slipping. Your vehicle will recover traction again if you slow down. A issue with the traction control system may be the cause if the light does not turn off.
ABS Warning Light
This indicates that your car’s ABS is malfunctioning (ABS). There is a problem with the ABS if the warning light comes on while driving. If you suddenly need to brake, your brakes will still function, but the anti-lock braking system (ABS) may not activate. It’s imperative that you get an ABS light diagnosis as soon as possible if the light continues to illuminate.
COMMON ICONS
These icons, which can be any one of several hues, are mostly concerned with your car’s lights and its daily requirements.
High-Beam Indicators
This light, which has been common in cars for decades, turns on only when the high beams are turned on.
Warns About Low Windshield Washer Fluid
The windscreen washer fluid level has dropped dangerously low. You should take a few minutes to finish it off.
Signal for Fuel Availability
If this indicator begins blinking or lighting up on your modern vehicle, you may be getting short on fuel. A little arrow or triangle adjacent to the fuel icon indicates which side of the car houses the fuel filler door, further informing drivers which side to refuel on.
Maintenance Reminder
The exact shape of this emblem may change slightly from car to car. It’s a simple indicator that your car needs servicing.
The entrances are now available
Doors in your vehicle are wide open. If you see this symbol, it means that one or more of the doors along your route are open; double check their closure before setting out.
LED Indicator for Tire Pressure
In our market, TPMS is standard on most newer automobiles, especially the Japanese domestic market imports (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). If this warning light comes on, your tyre pressure monitoring system has detected that one or more of your tyres is underinflated.
FAQs
What does orange engine light mean?
If the orange warning light is blinking, it implies that the vehicle is experiencing an issue that could impact the way it drives or handles, such as an engine misfire. Your vehicle may begin to tremble, or the engine may make an unusual noise. Whenever this warning indicator illuminates, it’s time to get the car checked out.
Can I drive with a warning light on?
If you keep going, you could risk engine overheating and reduced performance. There’s a good chance the car’s engine will be severely damaged if it comes to a complete halt. There you have it. You must pay close attention to these signals.
When should I worry about dashboard lights?
A warning light of orange, or amber, means that maintenance is still necessary and should be given your immediate attention. Although a green or blue light doesn’t necessarily imply a little issue, it may still necessitate some form of response. There’s no need to panic, but if the screenwash indicator becomes blue, you should probably fill it up.
What do dashboard warning lights in my car mean?
If a system’s status indicator is green, it means it’s being used and is functioning properly. Something isn’t quite right, so be cautious and have a look at it as soon as you can. Warning! Stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so; the situation is critical.
