Know your car
Dashboard warning lights explained
Understand common dashboard warning lights, colour meanings, what to do immediately, and when it is unsafe to keep driving.
- Time:
- 8–15 minutes to learn
- Level:
- Beginner
- Videos:
- 2 how-tos
Before you start
Warning-light colours are a useful first clue: red normally means stop as soon as it is safe, amber means investigate soon, and green or blue usually confirms a system is on. Symbols still vary by brand — your handbook is the final word, especially on hybrid and EV-specific icons.
What you’ll need
- Owner’s handbook (or manufacturer app)
- Phone torch to photograph the exact symbol
- OBD-II reader for persistent amber engine lights (optional)
Watch a good how-to
Popular walkthroughs that match this job. Watch for technique — always follow your handbook for torque figures, jacking points and fluids.
Dashboard Warning Lights Explained | Quick Tip
Don Wheaton Chevrolet · Short, popular overview of less-obvious symbols (millions of views).
Open on YouTube ↗Every Dashboard Warning Light In Your Car Explained
YouTube Autos · Longer A–Z style rundown of common cluster icons.
Open on YouTube ↗Step-by-step guide
- 1
Note the exact symbol, colour, whether it flashes, and any message, noise or smell that appeared with it.
- 2
For a red oil-pressure, brake, or overheating warning: pull over safely, switch off, and do not keep driving “to get home”.
- 3
Check simple safe causes only when parked — handbrake still on, loose fuel cap (some cars), low washer fluid message.
- 4
For amber engine, ABS, airbag, battery or tyre-pressure lights: plan a scan or inspection soon; flashing engine light is more urgent than steady.
- 5
Do not clear codes repeatedly without fixing the cause — the fault may affect safety, emissions or warranty.
- 6
If braking feel, steering, temperature or oil pressure changes while a light is on, stop and arrange recovery.
What to check
- Red oil pressure, temperature and brake warnings need immediate attention.
- A flashing amber engine light often means misfire — continuing can destroy a catalytic converter.
- Airbag and ABS lights can mean those systems will not work in an emergency even if the car still drives.
- TPMS (tyre pressure) lights need a cold-pressure check against the door-pillar sticker, not the sidewall maximum.
Pro tips
- Photograph the cluster — it helps a garage or breakdown operator identify the fault faster.
- Battery / charging lights while driving can leave you stranded; minimise electrical load and head somewhere safe.
- After a jump start, some cars need a few drive cycles before lights reset — that does not mean the fault is gone.
- Hybrid / EV cars have high-voltage warnings — do not open orange-cabled areas.
FAQs
Can I drive with the engine management light on?
A steady amber light often means you can limp carefully to a garage, but check for loss of power, smoke or strange noises. A flashing light means stop driving as soon as safe.
Why did a light come on after filling up with fuel?
A loose or untightened fuel cap can trigger an evaporative-emissions warning on some cars. Fit the cap correctly; if the light stays on after a few trips, get a scan.
Do warning lights mean the car will fail its MOT?
Many safety-related lamps (ABS, airbag, brake, ESC) can cause an MOT fail if illuminated. Do not ignore them before the test.
Safety first
Never keep driving because a warning light disappeared temporarily. If braking, steering, engine temperature or oil pressure changes, stop and arrange recovery.