Car Dashboard Warning Lights | How To Recognise Them

They are also the ones which we notice the most while driving every single time. Having said that, there are other, more subtle lamps and symbols which adorn the dashboard of a modern car.

This list of warning lights will help you recognize what they stand for the next time they light up.

Low Fuel Indicator

Indicates low fuel level. Most commonly the fuel level has reached reserve capacity and tells you to fuel up immediately.

OBD Indicator

On board diagnostic indicator comes up when there is a problem with the engine management system or if there is a concern with the emission system. The car should be serviced at the earliest possible.

Anti-lock Braking System Indicator

Lights up when a fault in the ABS system is detected. The lamp does glow momentarily immediately after a car starts. But the glow is permanent if a fault is detected.

Battery And Charging Indicator

Indicates the battery is not charging properly. This could be due to a faulty alternator due to a battery having reached the end of its charging cycle. Time to get professional help or to get the battery replaced.

Engine Temperature Warning

Warns you about an overheating engine. On the dashboard cluster, a picture of thermometer will glow red, which means either your engine has run low on coolant or a larger problem - like a head gasket failure. It is important that you stop the engine and give it time to cool down or seek professional help.

Oil Pressure Warning

Low oil pressure will cause the engine to be damaged severely. Hence it is advisable to get the problem checked immediately. It could either be due to a faulty oil delivery system or low oil level, in which case it needs to be topped up.

Fog Lamp Indicator

This indicator symbol will be active only when the fog lamps are actually on. The symbol also shows a curly line crossing the straight ones indicating light passing through the fog.

High Beam Indicator

Also known as Full Beam indicator, whichindicates that your car's high beam headlights are on. When you switch from low to high beam, you can see the High Beam indicator turn on in the dash.

Airbag Indicator

This symbol indicates that there may be an issue with one or more airbags or the entire airbag system in general. Faulty airbag means you and your passengers won't be as well protected in the event of an accident. The other possibility is that the airbag could deploy at any time causing injury and a sudden shock.

Tyre pressure monitor

The lamp turns on if lower than manufacturer recommended tyre pressure is sensed by the system. The ideal thing to do is to bring the tyre pressure to recommended level at the earliest as this improves grip, decreases tyre degradation and improves fuel economy.

Car Door Indicator

This lamp is turned on even when a single door is not shut properly. In some cars the engine may not start until all doors are shut.

Seat Belt Reminder

In some cars, the lit lamp is accompanied by a warning sound when you haven't fastened seat belts. Some cars will even refuse to start. The only way to stop turn off this warning light is to buckle up your seatbelt.

Brake Alert Indicator

Brakes are considered as one of the most important features on your car and if this warning light is flashing on your dashboard, there is something wrong with the braking system. The next best thing you can do is to get a professional mechanic to look over it.

Warning Light

Is usually accompanied with other lit indicator lamps. Tells you about an unidentified problem. It is time to get the car checked by a professional immediately.

Hazard Lamp

This lamp lights up when the driver switches on the emergency light button. You can activate this by pressing a button on the dash that looks like a red triangle.

Windshield Defrost

Indicates the defroster is on and functioning. If the warning light is flashing, an issue has been detected by the system. Modern vehicles have automatic climate control which can turn on the defroster when the humidity gets too high.

Glow Plug Warning

Glow plugs are used in diesel engines. If the light blink or flash or stay on, there is an issue with your car's engine management unit (ECU). Get a diagnostic check as soon as possible and rectify the issue.

Hope this list now helps you identify car dashboard warning lights. If we've missed out on any warning lights, do let us know. Drive Safe!