You’re driving along, everything seems fine and then a warning light pops up on your dashboard. Cue the confusion. Is it urgent? Can you keep driving? Should you pull over?
It’s a common scenario and one that catches many drivers off guard. But those little symbols are more than just alerts – they’re your car’s way of communicating with you. Understanding what they mean can help you act quickly, avoid damage and stay safe.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common dashboard warning lights, what they’re trying to tell you and what steps to take next.
Common Warning Lights and What They Mean
Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent dashboard warning lights, what they indicate and what you should do if they appear.
Engine Warning Light
- Symbol: A stylised outline of an engine
- Meaning: There’s a fault in the engine or emissions system
- Action: Book a diagnostic check as soon as possible. It could be something minor like a sensor fault or something more serious like a misfire or catalytic converter issue.
- Our Advice: Don’t ignore this one. Even if your car feels fine, driving with an engine fault can cause long-term damage and reduce fuel efficiency.
Oil Pressure Warning
- Symbol: An oil can with a drip
- Meaning: Low oil pressure – your engine may not be getting enough lubrication
- Action: Stop the car safely and check your oil level. If it’s low, top it up. If the light stays on, call for assistance.
- Top Tip: Driving with low oil pressure can cause severe engine damage. It’s one of the most critical warnings to act on immediately.
Battery Warning Light
- Symbol: A battery icon
- Meaning: Your battery isn’t charging properly – could be a fault with the battery, alternator or wiring
- Action: Get your charging system checked. If the battery dies, your car won’t start.
- What We Say: If this light comes on while driving, head to a garage. You could lose power to essential systems like lights and steering.
Brake System Warning
- Symbol: A circle with an exclamation mark or the word “BRAKE”
- Meaning: There may be a problem with your brake fluid level or braking system
- Action: Check your brake fluid. If it’s fine, book a brake inspection.
- Our Recommendation: Brakes are non-negotiable. If this light appears, don’t delay and get it checked immediately.
Coolant Temperature Warning
- Symbol: A thermometer in liquid
- Meaning: Your engine is overheating
- Action: Pull over safely and let the engine cool. Check coolant levels once it’s safe. If the issue persists, seek professional help.
- Top Tip: Overheating can warp engine parts and lead to breakdowns. Never ignore this warning.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Light
- Symbol: A horseshoe shape with an exclamation mark
- Meaning: One or more tyres may be under-inflated
- Action: Check all tyre pressures and inflate as needed. If the light stays on, there may be a puncture or sensor issue.
- What We Say: Driving with low tyre pressure affects handling, fuel economy and safety, especially in wet or icy conditions.
Flashing vs Solid Lights: What’s the Difference?
- Solid Light: A warning – get it checked soon
- Flashing Light: Urgent – stop the car safely and seek help immediately
If you’re ever unsure, it’s always safer to pull over and call for advice.
Less Common (But Important) Warning Lights
- ABS Light: Indicates a fault in the anti-lock braking system
- Airbag Warning: There may be an issue with the airbag system which could affect deployment in a crash
- DPF Light (Diesel Particulate Filter): Common in diesel cars – signals a blocked filter that needs attention
- ESP/BAS Light: Related to electronic stability or brake assist systems
Our Advice: These systems are designed to keep you safe. If any of these lights appear, don’t ignore them, book a diagnostic check!
Why Dashboard Warning Lights Matter
Modern cars are packed with sensors designed to monitor everything from fluid levels to engine performance. When something’s off, your dashboard lights up to let you know.
Regular servicing helps prevent many of these issues but when a light does appear, it’s important to act fast as this can help you:
- Avoid further damage
- Stay safe on the road
- Keep your car running efficiently
- Protect your warranty and MOT status
Ignoring a warning light might seem harmless at first but it can lead to bigger problems down the line including breakdowns, expensive repairs or safety risks.
Final Thoughts
Dashboard warning lights aren’t there to stress you out - they’re your car’s way of saying, “I need a little help.” Knowing what they mean and acting quickly can save you time, money and hassle.
If a light appears and you’re not sure what it means, don’t guess. Give us a call or book a diagnostic check online. We’ll explain everything clearly, fix what needs fixing and get you back on the road with confidence.