8 Dashboard Warning Lights: Which Ones Mean Stop Right Now?

Dashboard warning lights are your car’s way of telling you something has changed. Some mean you should stop right away, while others just mean you should book a visit soon. The trouble is that they all appear with the same small symbol, so here’s how to tell them apart.

Symbols vary a little between makes, so your owner’s manual is the final word for your car. A useful rule covers most of them, though.

The simple rule: red, amber and green

• Red: a serious problem or safety issue. Stop as soon as it’s safe.
• Amber or yellow: something needs checking. Drive gently and have it looked at soon.
• Green or blue: information only, such as headlights or cruise control being on.

A flashing light is usually more urgent than the same light when it’s steady.

Red dashboard warning lights: stop safely

1. Oil pressure light

It looks like an old oil can. It means oil pressure is low, and without oil pressure an engine can be badly damaged within minutes. Stop, switch off and check the dipstick once the oil has settled. If the level is fine and the light stays on, don’t restart it. Call for a tow.

2. Engine temperature light

Usually a thermometer in liquid. The engine is overheating, so stop and switch off. Don’t open the radiator cap while it’s hot. Our guide on what to do when your car overheats covers the steps.

3. Brake warning light

Usually an exclamation mark inside a circle. First check that the handbrake is fully off. If the light stays on, the brake fluid may be low or there could be a fault in the system. If the pedal feels soft or sinks, don’t drive on. Stop and arrange a tow. Read more about brake repair in Johor Bahru.

4. Battery or charging light

A small battery symbol. This usually means the car isn’t charging, often from the alternator or its belt, rather than the battery itself. The car is running on stored power and could stop soon. Turn off non-essential electrics and drive straight to a workshop if it’s close. If the belt has snapped, power steering and engine cooling may also be affected, so stop.

Amber dashboard warning lights: get them checked soon

5. Check engine light

An engine outline. When it’s steady and the car drives normally, it isn’t usually an emergency, but the car has logged a fault, so have it read soon. When it flashes, often with the engine shaking, it usually means a misfire that can damage the catalytic converter. Slow down, and get it to a workshop as soon as possible.

6. ABS light

The letters ABS in a circle. Your normal brakes should still work, but the anti-lock system may not, so take extra care in the rain. If it comes on together with the red brake light, treat it as urgent.

7. Airbag light

A seated person with a circle in front of them. It means an airbag or seatbelt tensioner may not work in a crash. The car still drives normally, but this is a safety fault, so don’t put it off.

8. Tyre pressure light

A horseshoe shape with an exclamation mark. One or more tyres may be low. Stop and look at them, then check the pressures at the next petrol station. If a tyre is visibly flat, don’t drive on it.

What if the light goes off by itself?

It’s good news, but it doesn’t mean the problem has gone. Many faults are intermittent, and the car usually stores a code even after the light goes out. If you can, take a photo of the dashboard the moment it happens and note what you were doing. It really helps with diagnosis.

Why a scan is only the start

A code reader tells you which system reported a fault, but not always which part has failed. Replacing parts based on a code alone can get expensive. We read the codes, then test to confirm the cause, and explain what we found before giving you a quote. Nothing starts until you agree. If it’s time for a routine check, see our car servicing in Johor Bahru too.

Not sure about a symbol? Take a photo and send it to us. Dashboard warning lights are much easier to deal with early than after a breakdown.