We’ve all experienced that moment while driving – a sudden beep followed by an unfamiliar symbol illuminating on your car’s dashboard. Immediately, questions flood your mind: What does this mean? Is something wrong with my car? Understanding these symbols, commonly known as Car Indicator Lights, is crucial for every driver.
While some car indicator lights are easily recognizable, others can be perplexing. However, knowing the meaning of these warning signals is vital for your safety and your vehicle’s health. It allows you to take prompt action, whether it’s a minor adjustment or a necessary trip to a mechanic.
Understanding the Spectrum of Car Dashboard Symbols
It’s important to distinguish between different types of car indicator lights. Not every light signals a problem. Some simply indicate activated vehicle features, such as headlights or cruise control. Others are safety indicators, like those for blind-spot monitoring or lane departure warnings. However, many car indicator lights relate to potential mechanical issues, ranging from low tire pressure to critical engine temperature warnings.
Color plays a significant role in interpreting car indicator lights.
- Green or Blue Lights: These are generally informational. They indicate that a particular system is active and functioning correctly. Think of them as confirmation lights rather than warnings.
- Orange or Yellow Warning Lights: These signal that your vehicle requires attention soon. They often indicate a need for servicing or repair, but usually don’t demand immediate action. Consider them as advisory lights prompting you to schedule maintenance.
- Red and/or Flashing Lights: Red is the color of urgency. A red car indicator light demands immediate attention and action. These lights can indicate serious safety concerns, like a seat belt reminder, or critical mechanical problems, such as engine overheating. If a red mechanical warning light appears, safely pull over as soon as possible to assess the situation. Ignoring a red light can lead to vehicle damage or breakdown.
As you explore this guide to car indicator lights, remember two essential points:
- Vehicle Specificity: Dashboard symbols can vary slightly between car manufacturers and models. Your owner’s manual is the definitive guide for your specific vehicle. Always consult it if you are unsure about a particular car indicator light.
- System Check Illumination: Many car indicator lights will briefly illuminate when you start your car. This is a normal system check. As long as these lights turn off within a few seconds, it indicates that the systems are functioning correctly during startup. Persistent illumination after startup is what requires your attention.
18 Essential Car Indicator Lights Explained
Below is a breakdown of 18 common car indicator lights you might encounter on your dashboard. Understanding each symbol and the recommended action is crucial for responsible car ownership.
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light 2. Tire Pressure Warning Light 3. Engine Temperature Warning Light 4. Traction Control Alert Light 5. Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light 6. Traction Control Malfunction Light 7. Engine Warning Light (Check Engine Light) 8. Battery Alert Light 9. Low Fuel Indicator Light 10. Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator Light 11. Seat Belt Reminder Light 12. Airbag Warning Light 13. Security Indicator Light 14. Fog Lamp Indicator Light 15. Washer Fluid Indicator Light 16. Brake Warning Light 17. Lane Departure Warning Light 18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
Oil Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: This car indicator light, often depicted as an old-fashioned oil can, signals a problem within your car’s oil pressure system. This could mean your engine oil level is critically low, or your oil pump is failing to circulate sufficient oil to lubricate engine components effectively. Some vehicles may display the word “OIL” instead of this symbol.
What To Do: Low oil pressure can lead to severe engine damage. This car indicator light is a critical warning. Safely pull over to the side of the road immediately and turn off the engine. Carefully check for any visible oil leaks around the engine area. Then, use the oil dipstick to check the oil level.
If the oil level is low, adding oil might resolve the issue and turn off the light. If the oil level is adequate but the engine sounds unusually noisy, it could indicate an oil pump problem. If the oil level is fine and the engine runs smoothly, a faulty oil pressure sensor might be the cause. In any of these scenarios, it’s vital to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and fix the underlying problem causing the low oil pressure.
Read: How Long Can You Go Without an Oil Change?
2. Tire Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: Also known as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) symbol, this car indicator light, resembling a horseshoe with an exclamation point, indicates an issue with your tire pressure or the TPMS itself.
A solid TPMS light indicates that the air pressure in one or more of your tires is either too low or too high. If the TPMS light flashes for approximately 60 to 90 seconds upon starting your vehicle and then remains constantly illuminated – even after you’ve confirmed correct tire inflation – it suggests a malfunction within your TPMS sensors.
What To Do: Driving with underinflated or overinflated tires is dangerous and can damage your tires. It is recommended to stop as soon as it is safe to check your tire pressures and inflate or deflate them to the recommended levels, which are usually found on a sticker inside your driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual.
If this car indicator light activates near a Virginia Tire & Auto location, consider visiting for assistance. Many locations offer free air for tire inflation. Their technicians can also inspect, repair, or replace tires if needed. Furthermore, they can diagnose and repair TPMS sensor issues. While a malfunctioning TPMS sensor won’t directly affect tire performance, it will prevent the system from alerting you to future low tire pressure situations, compromising safety.
Read: My TPMS Light Is On: What Does It Mean?
3. Engine Temperature Warning Light
Engine Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This car indicator light, often resembling a thermometer submerged in liquid, signifies that your engine is overheating. The most common cause is related to the engine coolant (antifreeze) system, but overheating can occur due to various factors.
What To Do: Initially, try turning off your air conditioning and turning on the heater to divert heat away from the engine into the passenger compartment. If the light persists after a few minutes, safely pull over and turn off the engine. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 15 minutes before proceeding. Crucially, do not open the hood while the engine is hot. Opening the hood prematurely can result in burns from escaping steam or hot coolant.
While waiting for the engine to cool, plan your next steps. Contacting a roadside assistance service to request coolant top-up or arrange towing to a repair shop is advisable. Remember, continuous driving with an overheating engine can cause significant and costly damage.
(Virginia Tire & Auto services include complimentary Roadside Assistance for 365 days, covering up to $200 in services.)
Read: What Happens When a Car Overheats?
4. Traction Control Light
What It Means: This car indicator light, typically showing a car with squiggly lines underneath, indicates that your vehicle’s traction control system is actively engaged. The traction control system utilizes the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to detect if a wheel is losing traction and spinning faster than others. If wheel slippage is detected, the system automatically applies brakes to the slipping wheel(s) to help regain traction. This system is particularly helpful when driving in slippery conditions like rain or snow.
What To Do: When this car indicator light is flashing, it means the traction control system is working as intended. Continue driving cautiously, being mindful of potentially slippery road conditions. There is no immediate action required as long as the light is only flashing intermittently.
5. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light
ABS Warning Light
What It Means: The ABS car indicator light, usually displaying the letters “ABS” within a circle, signals a malfunction within your Anti-lock Braking System. ABS is designed to prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking, especially on slick surfaces, by automatically pulsing the brakes. If this light illuminates, it means the ABS system is not functioning correctly.
What To Do: Since ABS is a critical safety feature, it’s imperative to have a qualified mechanic diagnose and repair the issue as soon as possible. While your regular braking system will still function, you will lose the benefits of ABS, increasing the risk of wheel lock-up and skidding during hard braking, particularly in adverse conditions.
Read: How Does the Anti-Lock Braking System Work?
6. Traction Control Malfunction Light
What It Means: This car indicator light, often similar to the traction control light but with the word “OFF” or “!” symbol, indicates a malfunction within your vehicle’s traction control system. It may be triggered by a faulty or damaged sensor, or another system malfunction. In some vehicles, the ABS and traction control systems share a control module, so this light can sometimes illuminate due to ABS problems as well.
What To Do: While a traction control malfunction typically won’t prevent normal driving in good conditions, it means your vehicle might not perform safely in inclement weather or slippery conditions where traction control is needed. It’s recommended to have the system checked by a mechanic soon to ensure your vehicle’s safety systems are fully operational, especially before encountering challenging driving conditions.
7. Engine Warning Light (Check Engine Light)
Check Engine Light
What It Means: The check engine light, often depicted as an engine outline, is one of the most ambiguous car indicator lights. It can illuminate for a wide range of reasons, from minor issues like a loose gas cap preventing proper fuel vapor recovery, to serious engine problems like low oil pressure or overheating. Some dashboards may display the words “CHECK ENGINE” instead of the symbol.
What To Do: If the check engine light is solid and you haven’t noticed any unusual changes in how your car drives, and there are no strange noises or smells, you can usually continue driving for a short distance, preferably to your home or a trusted repair shop like Virginia Tire & Auto.
However, if the check engine light is red and/or flashing, it signals a more serious problem requiring immediate attention. A flashing check engine light often indicates a critical issue that could cause significant engine damage if ignored. In this case, stop driving immediately and have your vehicle towed for service. Regardless of whether the light is solid or flashing, it’s crucial to have the issue diagnosed and repaired promptly to prevent potential further damage and ensure your vehicle’s longevity and performance.
Read: Is It Safe to Drive Your Car With the Check Engine Light On?
8. Battery Alert Light
What It Means: This car indicator light, shaped like a battery, indicates a problem within your vehicle’s charging system. Potential causes include loose or corroded battery cables, a failing alternator (which charges the battery while the engine is running), or other electrical system faults. You might observe symptoms like dimming headlights, a fading clock display, or in severe cases, the car may fail to start.
What To Do: Electrical and battery issues can be complex. Experts can properly diagnose battery and electrical problems. If a battery replacement is needed, consider quality brands like Interstate Batteries. Don’t delay addressing this car indicator light, as neglecting it could leave you stranded with a car that won’t start. You might need to jump-start your car to get it to a repair shop if the battery is severely depleted.
Read: Why Won’t My Car Start? Troubleshooting the Electrical System
9. Low Fuel Indicator Light
Low Fuel Indicator Light
What It Means: This car indicator light, typically resembling a fuel pump, is a familiar sight to most drivers. It simply indicates that your vehicle is running low on fuel and it’s time to refuel soon.
What To Do: When this car indicator light illuminates, it’s best to refuel at the next convenient gas station. Avoid pushing your luck and driving for extended distances on low fuel. Unexpected traffic delays or detours can quickly deplete your remaining fuel, potentially leaving you stranded.
Bonus Tip: Most vehicles have a small triangle-shaped arrow next to the fuel pump icon on the fuel gauge. This arrow indicates which side of your vehicle the fuel filler door is located, adding a bit of convenience at the pump.
10. Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator Light
What It Means: This car indicator light, often showing a foot pressing a brake pedal or the word “SHIFT LOCK,” usually appears when you attempt to shift gears out of “Park” or start the engine without properly pressing the brake pedal. The automatic shift lock mechanism prevents shifting out of “Park” or starting the engine unless the brake pedal is engaged.
What To Do: The solution is simple: ensure you firmly press the brake pedal down before attempting to shift gears or start the ignition. Once the brake pedal is engaged, the light should turn off, and you should be able to shift gears or start the car as intended.
11. Seat Belt Reminder Light
Seat Belt Reminder Light
What It Means: This car indicator light, showing a person wearing a seatbelt, is a straightforward reminder for you or your passengers to fasten your seatbelts. It’s often accompanied by an audible chime or buzzing sound.
What To Do: Buckle your seatbelt immediately. Seatbelts are a primary safety feature in vehicles. According to the CDC, seat belts reduce the risk of serious injuries in a crash by approximately 50%. Ensuring everyone in the vehicle is properly belted is crucial for safety.
12. Airbag Indicator Light
What It Means: The airbag car indicator light, often displaying the word “AIRBAG” or a side profile of a person with a deployed airbag, signals a problem within the vehicle’s airbag system. This could involve issues with one or more airbags or the overall airbag control system.
What To Do: A malfunctioning airbag system is a serious safety concern. Have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic immediately. Airbags are designed to deploy in collisions to protect occupants. A fault in the system could mean airbags might not deploy in an accident, or worse, deploy unexpectedly. Prompt inspection and repair are essential for ensuring your safety in the event of a crash.
13. Security Indicator Light
Security Indicator Light
What It Means: This car indicator light, often resembling a padlock or a car key silhouette, relates to your vehicle’s anti-theft security system.
- Blinking Light: A steadily blinking security light usually indicates that the vehicle’s security system is armed and active. This is normal operation when the car is locked and the system is engaged.
- Solid Light, Car Won’t Start: If the security light is solid and the car fails to start, it indicates that the vehicle’s immobilizer system has been activated due to a perceived security threat or a system malfunction.
- Solid Light, Car Running Normally: If the security light remains solid while the car is running normally, it suggests a malfunction within the security system itself and it may require repair to ensure proper anti-theft protection.
What To Do:
- Vehicle Immobilized: If the vehicle is immobilized due to a solid security light, consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to deactivate or reset the security system. This might involve using a key fob sequence or entering a security code.
- System Malfunction: If the security system appears to be malfunctioning (solid light while driving normally), schedule a service appointment to have it inspected and repaired to restore proper anti-theft functionality.
14. Fog Lamp Indicator Light
What It Means: This car indicator light, typically showing a headlight symbol with a wavy line through it, indicates that your vehicle’s fog lights are currently switched on.
What To Do: Fog lights are designed for use in conditions of reduced visibility, such as fog, heavy rain, or snow. They should only be used when visibility is significantly reduced (generally less than 100 yards). Using fog lights in clear conditions can create glare for other drivers and may be illegal in some areas. Remember to turn off your fog lights when visibility improves.
15. Washer Fluid Indicator Light
Washer Fluid Indicator Light
What It Means: This car indicator light, often depicted as a windshield with water spraying, indicates that your windshield washer fluid reservoir is low and needs to be refilled.
What To Do: Replenish your windshield washer fluid as soon as practical. Maintaining adequate washer fluid is essential for keeping your windshield clean and clear, particularly in dirty or inclement weather conditions, ensuring good visibility for safe driving.
16. Brake Warning Light
What It Means: The brake warning light, usually displaying the word “BRAKE” in red or a red exclamation point within a circle, can indicate two possibilities:
- Parking Brake Engaged: The most common reason for this light is that the parking brake (emergency brake) is engaged or not fully released.
- Braking System Problem: If the parking brake is fully released and the light remains illuminated, it signals a potential problem within your vehicle’s braking system. This could include low brake fluid level or other brake system malfunctions.
What To Do:
- Check Parking Brake: First, stop your vehicle safely and check if the parking brake is engaged. Fully release the parking brake. If the light turns off, the issue is resolved.
- Braking System Inspection: If the light remains on after releasing the parking brake, it indicates a potential brake system problem. In this case, it’s recommended to have your car towed to a qualified repair facility like Virginia Tire & Auto for inspection and service. Driving with a brake system warning light could be dangerous and should be addressed immediately.
17. Lane Departure Warning Light
Lane Departure Warning Light
What It Means: This car indicator light, typically showing lane lines with a car drifting out of lane, is associated with the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) found in many modern vehicles. It illuminates and may produce an audible warning (beeping or vibration) when the system detects that your vehicle is unintentionally drifting out of its lane.
What To Do: If this car indicator light activates, it’s a prompt to correct your steering and ensure you are staying within your lane. The system is designed to alert you to unintentional lane drifting, which can be caused by distraction or fatigue. Note that the system may also activate when you intentionally change lanes without using your turn signal.
18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This car indicator light, often resembling a thermometer inside a gear symbol, indicates that your vehicle’s transmission is overheating. Overheating can be caused by low transmission fluid, worn transmission components, heavy towing, or other factors stressing the transmission.
What To Do: If the transmission temperature warning light illuminates, pull over safely as soon as possible and turn off the vehicle. Allow the transmission to cool down before attempting to drive again. Transmission overheating can cause significant damage. It’s best to get your vehicle to a repair shop for inspection and diagnosis as soon as possible. If the light doesn’t turn off after cooling down, or if you have a long distance to travel, it’s advisable to have your vehicle towed to prevent further damage.
Read: Transmission Repair Services
Car Trouble?
Encountering unfamiliar car indicator lights can be concerning, but understanding their meanings empowers you to take appropriate action and maintain your vehicle effectively. Whether you require routine maintenance like an oil change or more complex repairs, Virginia Tire & Auto’s expert technicians are ready to assist. Schedule your visit at one of our conveniently located service centers today to ensure your vehicle is running safely and reliably. Schedule a visit at one of our 17 locations today!
