Decode Car Dashboard Warning Lights

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If you drive and notice a glowing light on your car dashboard, then you might get uneasy, but don’t worry, it would just be the car dashboard warning lights. These lights are just reminders, but some of these lights can also be an urgent warning that needs immediate attention and action.

Therefore, ignoring these lights can even lead to serious issues, so it’s better to resolve the problem beforehand.

Table of Contents

Why are Car Dashboard Warning Lights Significant?

Advanced car and equipment with On Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) systems that continuously monitor the vehicle performance. When something goes wrong, the system triggers and shows a warning light to indicate a specific issue.

The primary benefit of giving attention to it:

Before-hand problem detection – averts costly breakdowns.
Safety assurance – keeps you and the other road user protected.
Maintenance reminder – make sure that your car is in the best condition.

Car Dashboard Warning Lights

Comprehending the Warning Light Colours

Before getting to know individual lights, it is significant to understand what colours generally indicate –

Yellow or Amber – Caution: Something requires attention sooner, but might not be an emergency.
Red – Immediate problem or safety concern, so stop the car then and there for car safety and check instantly.
Green or Blue – It generally shows that a feature is working.

Basic Car Dashboard Warning Lights & Their Meanings

Below you will see a proper classification of the most common dashboard lights, what they mean, and what you need to do.

1. Check the Engine Lights (CEL)

Symbol – engine outline (amber)

Its meaning – Shows an issue with the motor, emission system, or other critical parts.

Basic Causes

Loosen the fuel cap
Faulty oxygen sensor
Misfiring spark plug

What to do – If it’s instant, then book a service soon. If it’s flashing, then stop driving instantly as it can further damage the engine.

2. Oil Pressure Warning

Symbol – Oil can (Red)

Its meaning – oil pressure is too low, and therefore, the oil isn’t circulating properly.

Basic Causes

Oil pump failure
Low oil level
Blogged oil filter

What to do – Stop the car and check the oil level, as making the engine work without enough oil can lead to severe damage.

3. Charging/ Battery System Warning

Symbol – Battery would be Red

Its meaning – Electrical Charging System Fault

Basic causes

Loose battery connection
Alternator failure
Worn-out battery

What to do – Drive immediately to the workshop, as if the battery dies, then it will stop running.

4. Brake System Warning

Symbol – Circle with exclamation or Brake (Red)

Its meaning – It could mean a low brake fluid brake system fault or parking brake engagement.

What to do – If the parking brake light is off, then check the brake fluid. If it’s low and spongy pedal-free, do get it done with instant inspection.

5. ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) Warning

Symbol – Circle around ABS with Amber Colour

Its meaning – ABS malfunction, though daily brakes are still working, but the anti-lock feature won’t be working.

What to do – Drive cautiously; braking distance might grow.

6. Coolant Temperature Warning

Symbol – Thermometer in liquid (Red)

Its meaning – Overheating of the engine.

Basic causes:

Faulty thermostat
Low coolant
Radiator leak

What to do – Pull towards the safety, switch off the engine, and let it cool down.

7. Airbag Warning

Symbol – Person with the airbag (Amber)

Its meaning – A Fault happens in the airbag system.

What to do – Go get it checked immediately, as the airbag may not deploy in an accident.

8. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Symbol – Exclamation mark would be there inside the tire cross-section (amber)

Its meaning – One or more tires have low pressure.

What to do – Do check and inflate the tires to the recommended PSI.

9. Seat Belt Reminder

Symbol – Person with the belt (Red)

Its meaning – Either the passenger or driver hasn’t fastened up the seatbelt.

What to do – Buckle up.

10. Door Ajar Warning

Symbol – Car with open doors (Red)

Its meaning – Either one or more doors aren’t closed properly. These can further lead to accidents, and even your doors can get scratches. Lock the door also and adequately protect your vehicle door and your entire vehicle with the best PPF on car.

What to do – Stop the car first, close it properly, and then move ahead.

11. Fuel Level Warning

Symbol – The fuel pump icon would be in amber.

Its meaning – Low fuel

What to do – Refuel it as soon as possible before running out of it, as it can further damage the fuel pump.

12. Engine Temperature Low Indicator

Symbol – Blue thermometer icon

Its meaning – The Engine might be cold, therefore drive gently until it gets warm.

13. Tractional Control Warning

Symbol – Car with Squiggly lines in amber colour.

Its meaning – Tractional Control System is active or has a fault.

What to do – If the light stays on for a long time, then get it checked.

14. Power Steering Warning

Symbol – Steering wheel with exclamation (Red/Amber).

Its meaning – Power steering failure, and steering will be harder.

15. Glow Plug Warning (Diesel Cars)

Symbol – Coil-shaped icon (Amber)

Its meaning – Engine preheating in diesel cars. If it is flashing, then it does indicate the fault.

What to Do When a Warning Light Appears

Here are a few of the precautionary points on what can be done if a warning light appears:

Don’t panic – Few lights are informational.
Check your owner’s manual – It will confirm the meaning and urgency.
Pull over safely – If a red warning appears.
Book a professional inspection – Do this if you are unsure about what to do.

How to Avert These Car Dashboard Warning Lights

Below are a few pointers on how to stop these car dashboard warning lights.

Daily servicing – As per the manufacturer’s schedule.
Check the fluids – Check the oils, brake fluid, and coolant monthly.
Keep maintaining the tire pressure.
Use only quality fuel to lessen the sensor issues.

Conclusion

These car dashboard warning lights are your car’s way of speaking to you. If you ignore any of it, then you create minor issues into bigger problems, which results in costly repairs and even worse scenario you risk your safety. By knowing what each kind of these car dashboard warning lights means and taking up instant action accordingly you can prevent further arising up issues and would be able to drive smartly, safely and by holding peace of mind. You will also attain peace of mind by getting your car the high-quality paint protection film, which safeguards your vehicle from all the harmful environmental elements.