Warning indicators
Your dashboard is a language. Warning lights are colour-coded messages about your car’s systems — this module decodes the logic so a lit symbol becomes information rather than anxiety.
Colour is the first message
Before you identify any specific symbol, its colour already tells you most of what you need. Broadly, green or blue indicators are informational — a system is simply on or active. Amber or yellow means caution — something needs attention soon, but not necessarily this second. Red means act — a serious condition that often warrants stopping safely and seeking help promptly.
This colour logic is near-universal and is the fastest way to triage any light you do not recognise. The exact meaning of each symbol varies by vehicle, so your owner’s manual is always the definitive reference — but the colour gives you an immediate, reliable sense of urgency.
If you remember nothing else: green/blue = information, amber = attention soon, red = act now and seek help.
Symbols and their exact meanings differ between cars. Always confirm a specific light against your vehicle’s manual.
Decode by severity
A general reference to common dashboard indicators, grouped by the colour logic. Filter by severity. These are illustrative meanings — your manual defines yours exactly.
Showing 12 indicators
Engine temperature
Engine running too hot. Often a reason to stop safely and let it cool — overheating can cause rapid, serious damage.
Oil pressure
A red oil-pressure warning is serious; continuing to drive can damage the engine. Stop safely and seek help.
Brake system
Indicates a brake-system issue or, in some cars, the parking brake. Given the system, treat a red brake light as a priority.
Charging system
Suggests the battery is not charging properly. The car may soon lose electrical power, so address it promptly.
Check engine
The general engine/emissions warning. Steady usually means investigate soon; flashing usually means act promptly — your manual specifies.
Tire pressure (TPMS)
One or more tires may be under-inflated. Check pressures cool and inspect for damage — grip and wear depend on it.
ABS
The anti-lock braking system has flagged a fault. Normal braking usually remains, but the safety feature needs checking.
Low coolant
Coolant level is low. Because coolant controls engine temperature, attend to it before heat becomes a problem.
Low washer fluid
Washer fluid is low. Minor, but visibility is safety — an easy top-up, especially before a trip.
Seatbelt reminder
A safety reminder that a belt is unbuckled. Informational, and easily resolved — the most important habit in the car.
Low fuel
Fuel is running low. Informational, but planning your next stop avoids being caught out.
Lights & indicators on
Many green or blue symbols simply confirm a system — lights, indicators, cruise — is active. Information, not a fault.
From light to sensible action
Read the colour first
Colour gives instant triage: green/blue informs, amber cautions, red acts. Before identifying the symbol, the colour already tells you how urgently to respond.
Identify the system
Most symbols map to a system you now understand — engine, brakes, tires, fluids, charging. Knowing the system frames what the light is about.
Check behaviour
Steady versus flashing, and constant versus intermittent, change meaning. A flashing warning generally signals more urgency than a steady one.
Confirm and act
Match action to severity, confirm the exact meaning in your manual, and involve a qualified mechanic for anything red, flashing or persistent.
Indicator meanings vary by make and model, and this reference is general and illustrative. Your owner’s manual is the definitive source for your vehicle, and a qualified mechanic is the authority on any fault.