Your car dashboard isn’t just a place to find out how fast you’re travelling or how much fuel you’ve got left in the tank. It’s also a vital means of communication with the driver, with a number of warning lights which signal that a particular part of a vehicle requires attention or that a problem possibly serious has arisen. From a simple oil pressure warning to a fault with the braking system, battery or tyre pressure, the various symbols which may appear on your dashboard can be invaluable in helping you identify problems with your car so you can sort them before they escalate into expensive repairs or even hazardous driving conditions. Whether you own a petrol, a diesel, a hybrid or a full-electric car, it pays to know what those warning symbols mean.

Everyone loves a warning though and an important reason why it’s worth getting to know your dashboard lights is because not every warning gets the same response. You should, for example, pull over safely when a red warning appears and act straight away, but amber warnings are usually a sign that something needs investigating or servicing. Some warnings can be particularly alarming because you’ll have a greater risk of causing damage or pose a safety threat if you continue to drive, like a flashing check engine light or high-voltage battery warning. Others, like the EV ready light, tell you when your vehicle is powered up. Get to know these 10 important dashboard warning lights and you’ll stay one step ahead and do what’s best for your vehicle and your safety.

1. Oil Pressure Warning Light

The oil warning light on your dashboard usually displays an oil can with a small oil drop coming from the spout. When the warning light comes on, your oil pressure is low, which means it can’t circulate around the engine’s internal parts to keep them lubricated. You need to be able to lubricate the engine’s moving parts to stop them from rubbing together and causing serious damage. Some of the reasons that the warning light can come on include low engine oil, a faulty oil pump, a blocked oil pickup or a problem with an internal engine component.

Important Oil Pressure Warning Signs:

• Recognise the oil-can symbol
• Check for insufficient engine oil
• Consider possible oil pump problems
• Stop safely when it illuminates
• Avoid restarting with persistent warnings

If you are driving when this red warning light appears, find a safe location and turn off your engine immediately. Although the vehicle may still seem to run as normal, if you carry on, significant internal damage could occur. Once the engine is turned off and you are safe, check the oil level as per your vehicle manual. It may be possible to top up the oil level, which will not fix all the potential reasons for low oil pressure. Never restart the engine while this warning light is illuminated or if you suspect a fault in the engine. Call out a professional to identify the reason so you can drive to your destination without risking a costly engine repair.

2. Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

This warning light is normally styled as a bulb with a thermometer above three wavy lines. This symbol is something you should always take seriously, if the coolant is too hot the cooling system is probably not keeping your engine cool enough. This could be because coolant levels are low, the cooling fan has failed or there’s a leak in the system, you need to get these checked out as soon as possible. If the engine gets too hot it can cause irreparable damage to key engine parts such as the cylinder head and head gasket.

Key Coolant Temperature Warning Indicators:

• Identify the thermometer symbol
• Watch for dangerously high temperatures
• Consider coolant leaks or low levels
• Stop safely and switch off
• Allow the engine to cool completely

If the red warning light is on, stop safely as soon as you can and switch the engine off. Don’t carry on driving hoping the temperature will drop, this could cause further damage. Never open the coolant filler cap when the engine is hot. The cooling system may be pressurised and escaping hot coolant or steam can scald you. Let the engine cool before trying to do a visual check under the bonnet. If you see a leak from the cooling system and the warning continues, or you are not sure what caused the warning, then take the vehicle for inspection from a qualified person.

3. Check Engine Light

Also known as the engine management light, it shows up when the engine control system detects that there is a fault in the vehicle. There are many reasons that can be associated with the display of the amber warning light, like a loose fuel cap or issues with the ignition system, as well as emissions control system issues and broken oxygen sensors. If the warning light stays on, then diagnostic testing is required to pinpoint the problem but whether the vehicle is running or not, there is no need to ignore the light just because the car doesn’t seem to be any different. The engine management system watches for a number of vehicle operating conditions, so the amber warning light can display for reasons that are not obvious.

Check Engine Light Clues to Remember:

• Recognise the engine-shaped warning symbol
• Investigate a steady amber light
• Check for possible ignition faults
• Treat flashing warnings with caution
• Arrange appropriate diagnostic testing

Steady or flashing check engine light what to do If the light is flashing then take the problem seriously as an engine misfire could be in progress. Do not ignore the issue as it can cause damage to the catalytic converter and possibly affect the way the engine runs. Ease off and reduce power if the engine runs roughly, it loses power or exhibits other signs of a big problem. A scanner will help trace the fault, but the warning does not tell you what component has failed so further testing may be needed before costs can be estimated. If the light is steady and no other symptoms are apparent, make an appointment for diagnosis as soon as possible and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Brake System Warning Light

The brake system warning light looks like an exclamation mark inside a circle with curved lines at the sides. It can come on when the parking brake is applied, the brake fluid is low, or the car has identified a potentially serious issue with the braking system. As we all know, and need to do, the brakes are responsible for bringing our car safely to a halt. So if you see this warning it’s worth investigating as it could be something simple, like not fully releasing the parking brake, or a problem that could impact on the braking ability of the car.

Brake Warning Signs You Should Recognise:

• Check whether the parking brake is released
• Watch for low brake fluid
• Notice changes in pedal feel
• Stop if braking performance deteriorates
• Arrange professional recovery when necessary

If the warning is still on even after fully engaging the parking brake, observe how your car reacts. A deteriorating or spongy brake pedal, inadequate braking or brake fluid leaks may be a clue to a significant fault. Never continue driving with any of the above in situ because you could be putting your safety and that of others at risk if your brakes stop functioning properly. Find a safe stop place and seek repair or recovery advice do not assume the car is fine just because the problem seems to have cleared itself. The braking system is so important that it really cannot be overlooked when it clearly isn’t functioning properly.

5. ABS Warning Light

The anti-lock braking system warning light will typically have the letters ABS written inside a circle. The light will turn on when the system that prevents the car wheels from locking up during hard braking has a malfunction or problem. Although traditional braking may be available during the ABS warning light, ABS may not function correctly. This is significant as drivers who encounter the warning light may falsely believe their brakes are still fully functional when normal parking and slowing may be occurring. But the warning illuminates an important safety feature malfunction, especially for those who frequently drive on slick surfaces or wet roads.

Essential ABS Warning Light Facts:

• Look for the letters ABS
• Recognise a possible system fault
• Understand that anti-lock assistance may be unavailable
• Arrange a diagnostic inspection promptly
• Stop if the red brake warning also appears

If the ABS is not working you will find your steering pulling to one side when you brake in an emergency, which could result in less-than-effective stopping ability if the road surface is low-traction. Arrange for a professional to check out your vehicle to find the fault so your ABS is operational again. Never simply dismiss a warning just because you do not notice any breaking trouble: an ABS warning combined with your main red warning for the brake system could be indicating far more urgent trouble with your brakes. Stop as soon as it is safe to do so and get advice about repairs do not keep on driving. Your handbook can tell you exactly what all warning symbols on your dashboard actually mean.

6. Battery Warning Light

The battery warning light is normally an icon of a battery with positive and negative signs on it. As it is seen by most drivers as a warning of a flat battery, on standard petrol and diesel cars, the warning in the warning light is usually indicative of a charging system issue, which can be caused by an alternator starting to go, a broken drive belt, loose wiring or bad battery connections, for example. If the charging system is faulty the vehicle may not be able to replace the energy in the battery when the engine is running and this means that other electrical systems on the vehicle are increasingly relying on what is left in the battery to operate, hence the warning.

Battery Warning Clues for Drivers:

• Recognise the battery-shaped symbol
• Consider alternator or drive belt faults
• Check for possible wiring problems
• Switch off unnecessary electrical accessories
• Seek assistance before power runs out

If you see a battery warning while you’re driving, it could be that your car isn’t actually charging but instead is using the extra battery power you’ve got in reserve. Once that number starts dropping, you can see electronic features started to fail, which could leave you unable to complete your trip. Cut power to non-essential electric features like the stereo or air conditioning where safe, and take it in for service without delay. Do not think installing a new battery will necessarily resolve the issue, since it may be a malfunctioning alternator or charging circuit. Electric vehicles have a separate 12-volt power supply to operate their various electronic systems and other functions, too. If that battery isn’t functioning properly, it can cause the vehicle to be unable to move even if the high-voltage traction battery remains relatively full.

7. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light

In the centre of the warning, it is generally a horseshoe-shaped tyre with an exclamation mark in the centre. The warning light shows that at least one of your tyres has a lower pressure than it should have. It is worth paying attention to the warning light as the right amount of pressure is essential to ensure safe and predictable handling of a vehicle in addition to many cars today, showing individual tyre pressures on the display cluster. The warning you see may be because of air slowly escaping or because of a sudden change in pressure. In cold weather, your tyre pressure can be affected in some cases.

Tyre Pressure Warning Checks:

• Recognise the horseshoe-shaped tyre symbol
• Check pressure when tyres are cold
• Follow the driver’s door placard
• Distinguish pressure loss from sensor faults
• Stop if a tyre appears flat

If the warning comes on, take your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold and inflate to the recommended pressure which can be found on the car’s door placard. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tyre, it’s not the right pressure for your car. If the warning flashes up first and then stays on, it could be a malfunction with the system in which case you should check your handbook or take the car in for a check. If a tyre is visibly flat or the car suddenly pulls to one side, stop somewhere safe and check it out don’t keep driving with a warning on the dash.

8. Diesel Particulate Filter Warning Light

The DPF warning light appears in a diesel vehicle and looks like a small container with dots or short lines beneath it. It warns that soot has built up in the filter, which is a device to remove particulate matter from the gases that the diesel engine produces. When it is able to do so, the vehicle can clear the soot build-up when it undertakes a process known as regeneration, which involves increasing the temperature of the exhaust gases to burn the soot away. If the vehicle’s journey isn’t suitable for this process to occur, regeneration will not be completed, causing the filter to become blocked, or other issues to develop. This warning gives you an opportunity to take action in line with the manufacturer’s guidance before the filter become so blocked that a problem develops.

DPF Warning Light Essentials:

• Identify the dotted exhaust-filter symbol
• Understand the purpose of regeneration
• Consult your vehicle handbook
• Follow manufacturer-approved driving instructions
• Seek workshop assistance when necessary

If you see this warning, check your owner’s manual, before you attempt to operate the vehicle. Some may have instructions to follow in order to drive the correct way to help the engine regenerate, others may instruct the use of a trained technician to check the system. Don’t assume that driving at top speed will naturally rectify the problem as it depends what vehicle it is as to the potential solution and the warning on the vehicle. If the dashboard also features a stop warning, engine overheating or excessive power loss, don’t try to set off on an ad hoc regeneration journey. Switch off and get expert help. Following the manufacturer’s guide allows you to identify a warning that you can rectify by using an approved regeneration procedure and one that requires the workshop attention.

9. High-Voltage EV Battery Warning Light

This warning light is an indication that there is a fault with the traction battery, power electronics, high-voltage wiring or battery management system in an electric vehicle. While, normally, there are no issues when the vehicle is plugged in to charge, a warning may suggest a problem with a part of the powertrain that the driver cannot usually see. That’s why an explanation in the dashboard and a change in the way the vehicle drives should be treated with respect. Electric vehicles’ high-voltage systems need specialist knowledge and safety techniques, so does must not be opened up by the owner.

High-Voltage Battery Safety Reminders:

• Recognise a possible traction battery fault
• Watch for additional dashboard instructions
• Stop if smoke or unusual heat appears
• Request professional roadside assistance
• Never touch exposed high-voltage wiring

Always heed any directions that are indicated on the vehicle display panel. If the display directs you to stop, or if you notice smoke or extreme heat or smell burning, find a safe place to do so when it is possible and then request suitable emergency or roadside help. Never make contact with open high-voltage wiring harnesses and do not take apart, look into or try to repair traction battery components yourself. A warning of the high-voltage system is not one which you should turn a blind eye to even if the vehicle is cruising smoothly. The inspection of those components by trained technicians who have the right tools is the only way to go about it safely. The owner’s manual may include model-specific information in regard to the warning and the best course of action.

10. EV READY Indicator

The EV READY light indicates that an electric or hybrid vehicle is switched on and ready to drive. In a typical petrol or diesel vehicle, the sound of the engine running can be used to determine whether the car is switched on, however in an electric vehicle the drives system can be operating, silently, and therefore is not easily identified. The EV ready light is therefore an important indicator that the vehicle is ready to drive. This is especially useful for those not familiar with electric or hybrid vehicles as a lack of engine noise can no longer be used as an indication that a vehicle is switched off.

EV READY Indicator Points to Remember:

• Look for the green READY indicator
• Confirm vehicle status before moving
• Remember that electric motors are quiet
• Check before leaving the driver’s seat
• Stay alert when selecting drive

Before departing a vehicle, always check the dashboard display and ensure you fully understand what the current status is. Hybrid or electric vehicles can run silently when the transimission is in gear, and the accelerator is depressed, so don’t rely on engine noises to tell if it is running. Also don’t assume just because the READY indicator is illuminated it is parked safely and can’t roll away. When you park, always engage the parking brake, select the correct transmission position and follow the manufacturer’s advice each time you leave the driver’s seat getting into this good habit will give you an extra layer of control. By understanding what the READY indicator means you’ll feel more confident operating an electric or hybrid vehicle.