The dashboard displays various gauges and signs such as the speedometer. Among these, car warning lights are important light signals that inform you of the condition of the car. However, there are many types of warning lights, and many people may need to learn what each means.
Therefore, in this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the meanings of warning lights by type, including warning lights you should be aware of daily and warning lights with high urgency, as well as what to do if they come on. Not all car warning lights that come on mean that your vehicle is broken. Also, being mindful of them daily can help prevent accidents. Be sure to learn about warning lights so you can deal with them calmly even if they come on while driving.
What are these Warning Lights for?
A car’s warning lights, pop up or flash to alert the driver when there is a malfunction or other problem with the vehicle, or when the driver makes an incorrect operation. There are global standards, and although there may be slight differences depending on the manufacturer, the design of car warning lights is almost the same for both domestic and imported cars.
The Urgency of a Warning Light Varies Depending on its Color.
The colors of warning lights and indicator lights are defined by international standards (ISO) as three types: red, yellow (orange), and green, and the level of urgency varies depending on the color, as shown below.
- Red: High-urgency trouble. You must immediately stop the car in a safe place and contact a dealer or repair shop.
- Yellow (orange): A problem that does not require you to stop driving immediately, but does require immediate inspection.
- Green: Safe condition for driving without any hindrances.
Even if you don’t understand what the warning light means, if it is red it indicates an emergency, so be careful not to overlook it.
Warning Lights to Look After On Daily Basis
Now let us show you the list of car warning lights that you should remember, these are sorted by their emergency level. These warning lights often come in front of us in our daily life and these are a little risky if compromised.
Seat Belt Unfastened Warning Light
This light comes on if the driver or front passenger is not wearing their seat belt. Make sure to fasten your seat belt securely until you hear the metal part click into place.
Recently, weight sensors installed in the seats have been used to check whether there is an occupant or not. Therefore, even if there is no one in the car, the warning light will come on if there is heavy luggage or the like.
Door Ajar Warning Light
Door warning light comes on when the engine is on and the driver’s seat, passenger seat, rear seat door, back door, etc. are not completely closed. If the light comes on even though you think you have closed them properly, check to see if there is anything caught in the seat belt or clothing.
Fuel Level Warning Light
Fuel level warning light comes on when there is little fuel left. The amount of fuel remaining when the light comes on varies depending on the vehicle model, so please check the instruction manual. If the vehicle stops due to running out of fuel, it can cause an accident, so do not think that you can continue driving for a while even if the light comes on, but fill up the tank immediately.
If the light comes on after refueling and you have not driven for long, gasoline may be leaking. Turn off the engine in a safe place away from fire and check around the fuel tank.
Windshield Washer Fluid Warning Light
Windshield Washer Fluid light comes on when there is not enough washer fluid. The car will still move without washer fluid, but it will not be able to clean the windshield, which will cause problems when driving.
If you try to use washer fluid when the warning light is on, the pump that sprays the washer fluid will break down. If the light comes on, refill the fluid.
Slip Indicator Warning Light
This light comes on when the vehicle slips on wet roads or sharp curves and control devices such as traction control (TRC) are activated. If the light comes on temporarily on a slippery road, there is no need to worry. However, if the light remains on, it may be a malfunction, so consult a repair shop or dealer.
You May Need Frequent Inspection and Diagnostics in Al-Quoz, Dubai
Warning Light that Needs Immediate Inspection
The car warning lights introduced here do not mean that you will be unable to drive immediately, but it is still a good idea to have your car inspected. Contact your dealer or visit a store as soon as possible.
ABS Warning Light
ABS light comes on if there is an abnormality in the ABS function that prevents the tires from locking when braking suddenly, or in the brake assistance system. Although normal brakes will still work, this could lead to an accident in the unlikely event of an accident, so be sure to have it checked as soon as possible.
Airbag Pre-tensioner Warning Light
The airbag warning light comes on if there is a malfunction in the airbag system or pretensioner function. A pretensioner is a seatbelt device that keeps the occupant in place when heavy braking is applied.
You can still drive even if the airbag/pretensioner warning light is on. However, if an accident occurs that requires sudden braking, and the airbags or pretensioners do not deploy, there is a risk of serious injury to not only the driver but also to passengers in the car.
Tire Pressure Warning Light
The tire pressure warning light indicates that your tire pressure is low. Possible causes include a decrease in air pressure due to temperature changes or tire wear, a flat tire, or an abnormality in the tire pressure warning system.
Your tire may be flat, so stop immediately in a safe place and check the condition.
High Risk – Warning Lights that Indicate You Should Stop Driving Immediately
Finally, we will explain high risk car warning lights that require extreme urgency. If any of the following warning lights come on, immediately stop the car in a safe place and contact your dealer, repair shop, road service, etc.
Brake Warning Lights
This light comes on when the brakes fail. It also comes on when the parking brake is applied, so if the warning light goes off when you release the parking brake, it’s normal. On the other hand, if it doesn’t go off when you release the parking brake, it could mean that the brakes won’t work while you’re driving.
Charging Warning Light ( Battery Warning Light )
The charging warning light indicates that there is a problem with the charging system .The main causes include poor battery charging, a faulty alternator, or wiring issues.
If the charging warning light comes on, there is a risk of the engine stalling due to battery discharge, so stop the vehicle in a safe place and check the charging system or consult a mechanic.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
The oil pressure warning light (oil lamp) indicates low engine oil pressure. The main causes are likely a lack of engine oil, a pump failure, or a clogged filter, and if the light comes on, it may be that there is a problem that could damage the engine. Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe place and check the engine oil level or consult a mechanic.
Water Temperature Warning Light (Red/Blue)
Picture of Red and Blue Water temp light
If there is an abnormality, the water temperature warning light will light up in both red and blue. If the engine coolant temperature becomes abnormally high, the red light will come on and if you are driving, you should immediately stop in a safe place.
Be careful, if you continue to drive with the warning light on, it can not only cause engine failure, but in the worst-case scenario, it can also lead to a fire. The blue water temperature warning light often comes on when the outside temperature is low. When the blue light comes on, it is a good idea to warm up the engine for a while before driving.
AT Warning Light
This light comes on when the temperature of the AT fluid (oil for automatic transmissions) rises. As with when the water temperature warning light turns on red, this could be a sign of overheating, which is dangerous.
Hybrid System Abnormality
This warning light is installed in hybrid and EV vehicles and turns on when an abnormality occurs in the hybrid system. If you continue driving under this condition, there is a risk that you may suddenly become unable to drive. Stop the car immediately and contact your dealer or repair shop.
Master Warning Light
This light comes on when there is a high-level emergency in any of the vehicle’s systems. It also comes on when other warning lights come on a warning message is shown on the multi-information display, and a buzzer sounds depending on the nature of the warning.
Conclusion
Don’t ignore those dashboard warning lights! They’re your car’s way of communicating potential problems before they become major breakdowns. Ignoring them can lead to expensive repairs and even safety hazards.
At Hytec Auto Garage, we understand that understanding car troubles can be stressful. That’s why our certified technicians are here to diagnose the issue quickly and accurately, using the latest tools and technology. We’ll explain the problem clearly and concisely, offering you transparent pricing and repair options. Don’t wait for a minor issue to turn into a major one! Schedule an appointment with Hytec Auto Repair Shop today and get your car back on the road feeling safe and sound. We offer convenient scheduling options and prioritize your safety. Bring your car in for a peace-of-mind check-up, and let us take care of the rest!
