Your Car Wants Your Attention: Dashboard Warning Lights You shouldn’t ignore
Today, we are breaking down on all the symbols of car dashboard warning lights to understand what they stand for and also what should be done in case of emergencies.
We all have gone for long joyrides, enjoyed the lovely scenic views and spent some amazing time in our car. But imagine when you are on that long drive and all of a sudden the beep sound.
When you look down, you may notice some symbols appearing on the dashboard. You may be wondering what is wrong with the car.
There are certain symbols which are pretty much straightforward and can be guessed easily but there are certain other symbols which not everyone may be aware of. As a driver of the car, you should be aware about all the symbols appearing on the dashboard and certain important warning lights that should not be ignored.
Table of Contents
List of Car Dashboard Warning Lights
Tire pressure light
This symbol is also known as TPMS.
When you get this signal on your dashboard then it means that the pressure in either of the tire can be too low or too high.
In either of the case, the issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible since driving in such conditions can cause further damage to the vehicle.
The ideal tire pressure should be within the range of 30psi to 35psi. You can also check the Owner’s Manual for the tire pressure specifically for your car.
Traction Control Light
When you receive the below mentioned symbol on the dashboard then it is an indication that the traction control system of your car has been activated.
This system is known to utilize the anti-lock brake system for further determining if one of the wheel is rotating faster than the rest.
The system is such that it automatically identifies that a particular wheel is rotating faster and then it would apply brakes until it would recover back the traction.
Oil Pressure
This symbol clearly indicates that there is something wrong with the oil pressure.
Two main issues that it may indicate, your car may be running low on oil.Secondly the oil pump is not circulating in a proper fashion.
This in turn can cause less lubrication of the surfaces present in the vehicle. If you notice the below mentioned symbol on the dashboard, then it is time to take action.
Ignoring this warning light can lead to the car engine wearing off sooner than expected since there is no lubrication to it.
Warning signal from engine
There are multiple reasons why you may receive the below mentioned engine light warning on your dashboard.
In certain cases, it can indicate that there is something really serious about your car and you would need to immediately pull over your car at the side.
Overheating of the car engine or low oil pressure are two major problems that can lead to this warning sign.
In few other cases, this light is known to appear when the cap of your gas is left open or has been cracked. If such is the case, then it can lead to the evaporation of the fuel.
The moment you notice this light, it is best to pull over your car at a safe side and then check the gas cap for either of the issue.
Note that even if you find everything to be good, it is best to stop the car immediately when you notice this sign. This sign is something to beware about while driving and not to be taken lightly.
Reminder to wear the seat belt
Today, most of the cars are ensuring maximum safety for the individuals in the car.
Hence, they have also started showing symbol for wearing seat belt in case if any of the individuals have forgotten to buckle up.
Wearing seat belts are known to reduce the chances of getting majorly injured during any accidents. Hence, do not take this warning lightly.
Washer Fluid Indicator
The symbol below clearly shows the motion of your car’s windshield wipers.
When you receive this signal then it is an indication that your car is low on washer fluid.
In such cases, the windshield washer may not work to its full capacity. You would need to fill up the reservoir tank immediately so that the washer functions appropriately.
Engine Temperature
Car engine overheating is never a good sign both for your car and also the individuals travelling in it.
Ignoring the overheating of your car can lead to permanent damage. When the below symbol flashes on your car dashboard then it is a clear sign that the car engine has started overheating.
This means something is not right with the coolant and you need to take immediate action.
However, the coolant cannot be termed as a culprit always. There are multiple other factors that can lead to the occurrence of this symbol.
Hence, you need to immediately pull over your car to a safe side and away from the traffic to avoid any further damage.
Malfunction of traction control
This is another warning light related to the traction control system.
When this sign flashes on the car dashboard then it is an indication that the traction control system sensor may have been damaged or is broken.
It can also indicate any other malfunctioning with this system.
In few of the cars, we have seen that there are similar control module which operate both the traction control system as well as the anti-lock brake system.
Hence, you may also receive the below warning light when there is any malfunctioning with the anti-lock brake system.
Indicator for airbag
The below warning sign is a clear indication that something is not right with one of the airbags.
At times, it can also indicate problems with the entire airbag system.
It is important to ensure that the airbags are working in a proper fashion since they keep you safe during any accidents and avoid major mishaps.
So, the moment you notice this symbol get the airbag system checked at the earliest.
Fog Lamp
This symbol is basically indicating that the fog lights are turned on.
The main reason for using these fog lights is when your visibility while driving the car is less than 100mtrs. Turning the fog lights on for no reason can give a wrong indication to the other drivers as well.
Hence, use it only when absolutely necessary.
Battery Alert
Clearly the below warning sign indicates that there is something wrong with your car’s charging system as a whole.
Though, not necessary that the battery would be at fault. This can also be an indication that the battery cable may be loose or has been damaged.
It can also mean that the alternate belt has been damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced.
When the battery is at fault then you may notice that the headlights would start dimming or the clock would start to fade.
Waiting too long even after receiving this signal can lead to further damage and breakdown of the car.
ABS or Anti-Brake System Warning Light
This warning light is a clear signal that something is not right with the anti-brake system.
The main reason for having the anti-lock brakes is to ensure that the car is in safe contact with the road.
Hence, when you receive the below symbol diagnosing the problem at the earliest is important. Though, when you turn on the car every time you may receive this signal since the system does a self-check before starting.
If the sign goes away, then it means that everything is fine with the ABS system. But if it continuously flashes on the dashboard then it needs immediate action. ABS has helped saved a lot of lives.
Engine Start Indicator
The moment you notice this symbol on your dashboard then it means that you were about to shift gears or were about to start the car engine without getting the brakes engaged.
If it appears then your vehicle would get automatically locked or would turn in the neutral mode until you get the brakes engaged.
Low Fuel
Most of the individuals would be aware of the reason for the below symbol to appear on the dashboard.
It is a clear indication that the car is running low on fuel and needs immediate refilling.
When you notice this sign, immediately stop the car at the nearest gas station and refill the tank. You do not want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere without any gas.
Ensure that you do not ignore any of the warning lights appearing on the car dashboard. In certain cases, the warning light symbol may vary from one car to another. You can check the Owner’s Manual which provides a clear indication of the warning light pertaining to your car. Out of the above listed signs, below are the five important warning lights which no one should ignore.
- Engine Light
- ABS or Anti-Brake System
- Oil Pressure
- Tire Pressure
- Engine Temperature