Dummies' Guide - What Your Dashboard Warning Lights Mean (and Which Ones Mean Stop Now)

A warning light comes on and your stomach drops. Should you pull over right now or keep going? The answer depends on the light, and knowing the difference can save your engine, or just save you a needless panic. This guide breaks the lights down by colour and by what to do.

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Always check your owner's manual. Symbols and meanings vary between makes and models, and this is a general guide, not a replacement for your car's handbook.

The Colour Rule

• Red usually means a serious problem. Stop safely as soon as you can.
• Amber or yellow usually means something needs attention soon. Get it checked.
• Green or blue usually means a system is on, such as your headlights or cruise control.

Red Lights: Stop Safely, Now

Oil Pressure (an oil can)

This is the one you never ignore. A red oil pressure light means the engine isn't getting oil pressure. Mechanics agree on this: stop driving. Continuing to drive with the light on can wreck an engine in a very short time.

• Pull over safely and switch off.
• Wait a few minutes, then check the oil level (see our guide to checking oil, coolant and tyre pressure).
• If the level is low, topping up may fix it. If the light stays on, or the level is fine, don't drive. Get the car towed.

Some cars have a separate low-oil-level warning. That's different from the low oil pressure warning, so check what your manual says the symbols mean.

Engine Temperature (a thermometer in water)

The engine is overheating. Pull over safely, switch off and let it cool. Don't open the radiator cap while it's hot. Check the coolant once it's cold, and don't continue driving until you know why.

Battery or Charging (a battery)

The charging system isn't working, often an alternator or belt problem. The car is running off the battery and will eventually stop. Drive only as far as you need to reach safety or a workshop.

Brake System (an exclamation mark in a circle)

First check that the handbrake is fully off. If it's off and the light stays on, the brake fluid may be low, or there's a fault. Don't keep driving. Call for help.

Amber Lights: Get It Checked Soon

Check Engine (an engine outline)

• Steady: the engine's computer has found a problem. It's usually not an emergency, but get it scanned soon.
• Flashing: a serious problem, often a misfire. Reduce your speed and load, and stop as soon as you safely can. Driving on can cause expensive damage.

ABS (the letters ABS or yellow brake system)

Your normal brakes still work, but the anti-lock function may not. Drive carefully and get it checked.

Airbag or SRS (a person with a seatbelt and a circle)

There's a fault in the airbag system, which means the airbags may not deploy in a crash. Get it fixed. It can also matter at your WOF.

Tyre Pressure (a tyre with an exclamation mark)

One or more tyres are low. Check and adjust the pressures as soon as you can.

Which Lights Should Worry You Most?

1. Red oil pressure: stop driving.
2. Red temperature: pull over and let it cool.
3. Red brake warning: don't keep driving.
4. Flashing check engine: stop soon.
5. Red battery: get to safety soon.

What to Do When a Light Comes On

1. Don't panic. Note the colour and the symbol.
2. If it's red, pull over safely and switch off.
3. Check your manual for what the symbol means.
4. Look at the basics: oil, coolant, handbrake, tyres.
5. If in doubt, call roadside assistance or a workshop rather than driving on.

Broken down somewhere remote? Read our guide on what to do if you break down or crash.

This guide is general information. Your owner's manual is the final word for your car.

Need a Hand?

Warning light on and not sure why? Visit Our Workshop to book a service, or Request a Part if you already know what needs replacing.