Dashboard warning lights are an essential part of a vehicle’s safety system. They light up and notify the driver of an issue that needs checking or immediate action. Many motorists are unfamiliar with common dashboard warning symbols. However, it’s crucial to understand them as they can help keep your car in top condition. Read on to learn about the most common dashboard warning lights.
Color-Coded Symbols
Not all the symbols that show on a car’s dashboard are serious warning lights. Some indicate an automobile’s features, such as its lights and cruise control. Others may pop up as safety measures, including the lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring lights.
Moreover, you can determine the urgency of dashboard warning symbols by their color. Green and blue lights notify the driver that a system is operating, while yellow symbols indicate that a specific system needs to be checked soon. Red lights are urgent and indicate a serious issue that requires immediate attention. It’s never a good sign to see a red light appear on your dashboard. It’s also important to note that some red lights are safety warnings, such as the seat belt reminder.
Common Warning Indicators
Green warning lights include the fog lamp, headlamps, brake hold, automatic shift lock, lane assist and cruise control. Modern cars may even feature a green eco-mode symbol. Yellow indicators are less urgent than red ones. However, you should still pay close attention to them since a system may need to be serviced as soon as possible.
These lights may include traction control, anti-lock brake warning light (ABS) and engine warning light. The latter may pop up for a variety of reasons, including an open gas cap or premature engine failure. If this light appears, it’s crucial to seek immediate assistance and refrain from driving your vehicle. Low fuel, windshield fluid and tire pressure lights are also yellow.
Red symbols indicate a serious problem with the vehicle. These include the battery warning, engine temperature warning, transmission oil temperature indicator and brake system alert. The oil pressure warning light is also red. If this symbol appears on your dashboard, it could mean that the car is running low on oil, or the oil pump isn’t working properly. In either case, the automobile should be serviced immediately to avoid damage to the engine.
To learn more about common dashboard warning lights, see the following resource.
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Author bio: Goodwill Car Donations is a national organization that accepts vehicle donations. It is committed to providing disadvantaged individuals with job training, employment services and critical community-building support.
