Car Dashboard Warning Lights and Symbols Guide

You're driving along, happy to be on the road, when your eyes catch a flash of light on the dash—a dreaded dashboard warning light. Most cars are equipped with a dozen or more dashboard warning lights, which let you know when something isn't quite right with your vehicle. The lights are connected to up to 100 sensors throughout the vehicle that monitor everything from tire pressure to engine temperature to the security of the doors, all with the goal of keeping you safe.

If you're driving, knowing what dashboard warning lights mean is critical. While some dashboard lights are a simple fix—like closing a door more securely or putting air in your tires—others mean you need to see a mechanic immediately. Which is which? Continue reading to learn more about dashboard warning lights, including the 10 symbols you'll most likely see.

Car Dashboard Warning Light Colors

Most car manufacturers use a system of red, amber, green or blue lights. It's normal for all lights to illuminate briefly when you start the car and then quickly disappear. If they light up after that, it can indicate trouble. The first thing to remember if a dashboard car warning light comes on while driving is not to panic. Next, look at the color of the lighted symbol. Here's what to do when you see each color.

Red lights

If you see a red light on the car's dashboard, there's a safety issue, or something is seriously wrong with the vehicle. Red lights must be addressed immediately. Safely pull over, turn off the engine and call a repair service or shop to see if your car is safe to drive or needs a tow service. Red lights can indicate an issue with the brake system or a car overheating, for example.

Yellow or orange lights

Orange or yellow dashboard lights remind you that your car needs service soon, like an oil change or a gas fill-up. Yellow lights can also indicate that your car needs maintenance that doesn't present an immediate safety issue, like when something is wrong with your emissions system.

While not an emergency, depending on what the light is for, consider having an auto mechanic look at the problem as soon as possible. It might be tempting to ignore a yellow light, but that can lead to more issues down the road.

Tip: If a yellow car warning light starts blinking, treat it like a red light and call a repair service right away.

Green or blue lights

If you see green or blue symbols on the car's dashboard, this may indicate a system is working properly, or a system is on. Common examples include when your high-beam headlights are on, when the emergency brake is in use or when you've activated four-wheel drive. In this case, the lights simply remind you that a system that isn't typically used for daily driving is engaged.

10 Dashboard Warning Symbols Everyone Should Know

Here's an overview of 10 common dashboard warning lights and what you should do when you see each one.

1. Check engine

The check engine light is dreaded by drivers, in part because it can mean so many different things. This light will come on anytime there's an issue with your vehicle's engine or emissions system. Oftentimes, you'll need to go to a mechanic who can diagnose the exact problem using a code reader plugged into your car's on-board diagnostic system.

The causes of a check engine light range from minor to quite serious and can include:

• A loose wire
• New spark plugs needed
• A loose gas cap
• A worn solenoid
• A major issue with the engine structure

Usually, it's safe to continue driving while the check engine light is on, although you should reach out to your mechanic immediately. However, if you notice other symptoms, like the vehicle shaking or loss of power, stop driving immediately. Pull over if the check engine light is blinking or other lights are illuminated alongside it.

Learn more about when your engine light is on.

2. Oil pressure warning

If this warning light stays lit, it indicates a loss of oil pressure. Pull over safely, turn off the engine and check the oil level. If the level is low, top off the oil and the light should go off. If that doesn't work—or if the light goes off and comes back on a few days later—you may have a bigger issue and should take your car to a mechanic.

3. Coolant temperature warning

This symbol indicates the engine temperature has exceeded normal limits. In short, your car is overheating. Pull over safely, turn off the engine and let the engine cool off entirely before checking your coolant level. If there's smoke, call a mechanic.

4. Brake system

The symbol above lights up when there's an issue with your braking system. Some cars have additional dashboard lights related to the brake system, including lights that say “Parking brake" (illuminated when the emergency brake is engaged) or “ABS," which lights up when there's an issue with the antilock brake system.

If you see the light above, first make sure you haven't unintentionally left your emergency brake on. Then, contact a brake shop to check for worn brake pads, low brake fluid levels or issues with the ABS. Brake issues are very serious and should never be ignored. Call for a tow if you notice that your vehicle isn't braking effectively.

Learn how to deal safely with squealing brakes.

5. Tire pressure

When one of your tires is underinflated, the tire pressure warning indicator will light up. Stop and check the pressure on each tire to determine which one is low so you can get it properly filled to continue driving. This light can also come on when the tire pressure monitoring system needs servicing, including a new sensor. If the light is on and your tires are properly filled, contact a mechanic to check the monitoring system.

Learn how to check your tire pressure.

6. Low fuel indicator

Many drivers are familiar with the low fuel indicator light, which means their fuel level is low and it's time to find a gas station. Many modern cars also indicate how many miles you may be able to drive before running out of gas, but it's best not to push your car to the limit. Instead, fill up as soon as (or before) the light comes on. Plan to keep your gas tank full during winter weather and other hazards.

7. Battery/charging alert

The charging system light (usually a battery symbol or the word "ALT" or "GEN") illuminates when the alternator is no longer supplying the vehicle's electrical system power. This means that your battery isn't recharging when you drive, and eventually, your car might not start. Have your mechanic test the alternator as soon as possible.

8. Transmission temperature

This car warning light will come on when the transmission operates at a higher-than-optimum temperature or the transmission fluid is hotter than usual. Safely pull over, shut off the engine and let the engine cool. Then, check your transmission fluid and coolant levels or call your mechanic to do the same.

9. Service vehicle soon indicator

This indicator alerts you that your vehicle is nearing a recommended or warranty service event, such as changing the oil or rotating your tires. When you see this, contact a repair shop to schedule an appointment.

10. Airbag fault

If there's a fault in your airbag system and one or more airbags have been disabled, the airbag fault dashboard light will come on. Contact a repair shop as soon as possible. You can find a list of dealers here.

Paying for Car Repairs and Maintenance

When you encounter a dashboard warning light, it usually means that service may be needed on your vehicle, but it doesn't have to slow you down. The Synchrony Car Care credit card can help you pay for car repairs promptly, keeping you on the road and where you need to be. Learn more and apply now.