Dashboard warning lights: what do they mean?
Red, amber or green? These are the most important warning lights on your dashboard, and when you must stop straight away.
Published:3 min read
Your car’s warning lights follow a colour system much like a traffic light. Know the colours and you know at once how serious it is.
| Colour | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Serious fault or safety risk | Stop as soon as it is safe and switch off the engine |
| Amber / orange | Something needs checking | Drive carefully and get it checked soon |
| Green / blue | Information | A function is on, e.g. main beam |
The red ones: stop
Oil pressure
Looks like an oil can with a drip. The engine has too little oil pressure. Stop immediately and switch off the engine. Driving on can destroy the engine within minutes. Check the oil with the dipstick, and call for help if the level is fine and the light stays on.
Engine temperature
A thermometer in liquid. The engine is overheating. Stop, switch off and let it cool. Never open the radiator cap on a hot engine.
Battery and charging
A battery with plus and minus. The alternator is not charging. The car runs on the battery until it is flat. Switch off anything unnecessary and drive straight to a garage.
Brakes
An exclamation mark in a circle. It may mean the handbrake is on, but also low brake fluid. If it comes on while driving, stop and get the brakes checked.
Airbag
A seated person with a circle in front. The airbag may not work in a collision. The car can be driven, but get it checked soon.
The amber ones: check soon
Engine light
The outline of an engine. It can be anything from a loose fuel cap to an ignition or exhaust fault. If it is steady, get the fault codes read soon. If it flashes, there is a risk of damaging the catalytic converter. Slow down and drive to the garage.
ABS
The letters ABS in a circle. Your brakes work, but anti-lock braking is disabled. Keep extra distance.
Tyre pressure
A cross-section of a tyre with an exclamation mark. One or more tyres are under-inflated. Read our guide on checking your tyre pressure.
Glow plugs (diesel)
A coil. It lights briefly at start-up, which is normal. If it stays on or flashes, there is a fault in the glow plugs or engine management.
Diesel particulate filter
A box with dots. The filter is getting full. A 15-20 minute drive at steady, higher speed often helps. If the light does not go out, drop by.
A light you do not recognise?
Take a photo and call us. We can usually tell you straight away whether it is safe to drive on. If not, we read the fault codes in half an hour.
