It might be tempting to just throw a bit of black tape over that ‘check engine’ light in the dash, but if you’d rather know what it all means, here’s your guide to your car’s warning lights

If you’re a little behind on maintenance, you’ve probably noticed your car’s dashboard will have a veritable Christmas tree of icons light up to let you know something has gone wrong.

The average car has around 25 dashboard icons, while feature-packed cars will have upwards of 40. The more complex the car, the more potential there is for mechanical or electronic carnage.

While many of these ‘annunciator lights’ are easily recognisable, some icons are specific to certain car and engine types, such as diesels and hybrids or four-wheel-drives. To add to the confusion, there are also many new icons that have been introduced with new technologies over the past decade – such as driver-assist safety functions.

What do the colours of my dashboard lights mean?

Think of it like traffic lights, where red means stop, orange is caution, and green is go.

🟥 Red light in dashboard

You can probably guess; red means something that requires immediate attention – ranging from something as easily addressed as a door being open, to more serious issues like low oil pressure, that can damage your car engine.

In any case, a red light means stop the car immediately and attend to the problem, even if it’s simply to call roadside assist or an experienced friend.

🟧 Orange light in dashboard

An orange light usually signifies something that requires monitoring, such as low fuel or tyre pressure. The terrifying ‘check engine’ light may also appear orange or red, depending on the severity of the problem detected, but it will often be accompanied by a more specific light for extra context.

🟩 🟦 ⬜ Green, blue, white lights in dashboard

These aren’t warnings so much as simple alerts to let you know that a particular feature is active, such as lights (driving, high-beam and fog), turning indicators, park brake, cruise control and driver-assist features like lane-keep assistant and active distance control.

Here’s an extensive list of dashboard icons, to go with the frightening image below

know your dashboard warning lights (no, don't just tape it over...)

Don’t panic…

1 Front Fog light on (can also be green) 33 Parking assist
2 Power steering fluid low 34 Car due for service
3 Rear fog light on 35 Adaptive lighting
4 Windscreen washer fluid low 36 Headlight range control
5 Brake pad warning 37 Rear spoiler warning
6 Cruise control on 38 Convertible roof warning
7 Direction indicators 39 Airbag warning
8 Rain and light sensor problem 40 Brake warning
9 Winter driving mode 41 Water in fuel filter
10 Information indicator 42 Airbag deactivated
11 Glow plug/diesel pre heat warning 43 Fault problem
12 Frost warning 44 Dipped beam headlights on
13 Ignition switch warning 45 Air filter needs cleaning/replacement
14 Key not in vehicle 46 Eco driving mode engaged
15 Key fob battery low 47 Hill decent control
16 Distance warning (to car in front) 48 Temperature warning
17 Press clutch pedal to start car 49 ABS warning
18 Press brake pedal 50 Fuel filter warning
19 Steering lock warning 51 Door open
20 High-beam headlights on 52 Bonnet open
21 Tyre pressure low 53 Low fuel
22 Side/parking lights on 54 Automatic transmission warning
23 Exterior light fault 55 Speed limiter engaged
24 Brake light fault 56 Suspension damper warning
25 Diesel particulate filter warning 57 Oil pressure low
26 Trailer tow hitch warning 58 Windscreen defrost
27 Air suspension warning 59 Boot open
28 Lane departure warning 60 Stability/traction control (can be yellow)
29 Catalytic converter warning 61 Rain sensor
30 Seat belt not on in an occupied seat 62 Check engine (serious if red)
31 Park brake is engaged 63 Rear window defrost
32 Battery/alternator warning 64 Auto windscreen wiper engaged.

It indicates that the engine is overheating. You should pull over immediately and call for help, to avoid serious damage to your car’s engine – and potentially the entire car, if a fire results.

This light indicates a problem with the vehicle’s electrical system, which should be addressed as soon as possible, if not immediately – as it could result in systems failing, which may lead to a road accident or a fire.

It indicates a general warning not covered by a more specific light, such as a problem with the brake system or a fault with the vehicle’s stability control system. However, modern cars will often show a more specific alert in their digital display, to ensure there is no confusion.

This light indicates a problem with the vehicle’s traction control system, which could lead to an otherwise avoidable accident in hazardous road conditions or while taking defensive action.

Keyword: Know your dashboard warning lights (No, don't just tape it over...)

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