Car Dashboard Warning Lights: Symbols and Meanings

Car dashboard warning lights alert you when a vehicle system is operating, needs attention or may have developed a fault. The colour and symbol can help you understand how urgently you may need to act.

Red warning lights generally indicate a serious fault or safety issue. Amber or yellow lights usually mean that a fault or condition needs attention, while green, blue and white lights generally indicate that a vehicle feature or system is operating.

It is normal for several dashboard lights to appear briefly when you start your car as it carries out its initial system checks. They should normally switch off once the checks are complete. If a warning light stays on, flashes, or appears while you are driving, check your vehicle handbook for the specific meaning and recommended action.

This guide explains the most common car dashboard warning lights and symbols, including what they mean, possible causes, whether you can continue driving and what you should do next.

Important: Dashboard symbols can vary between manufacturers, models and model years. Always check your vehicle handbook for the exact meaning of a warning light.

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What Do Different Dashboard Warning Light Colours Mean?

Dashboard warning light colours provide a general indication of how much attention your vehicle may need. However, the colour should always be considered alongside the symbol and how the vehicle is behaving.

Colour What it usually means General action
Red Serious fault or safety issue Stop safely and seek professional assistance where necessary.
Amber/Yellow Fault or condition requiring attention Check the warning and arrange an inspection where necessary.
Green A system or feature is operating Usually informational.
Blue A feature such as main beam is operating Usually informational.
White General information or system status Usually informational. Check the handbook if unsure.

What Does a Red Dashboard Warning Light Mean?

A red dashboard warning light generally indicates a serious fault or safety-related condition. Common examples include warnings relating to:

If a red warning appears and the vehicle is behaving differently, find somewhere safe to stop and seek professional assistance.

What Does an Amber Dashboard Warning Light Mean?

An amber or yellow dashboard warning light generally means that the vehicle has detected a fault or condition that needs attention. Common examples include:

An amber warning does not always mean you need to stop immediately. However, it should not be ignored. Check your vehicle handbook and arrange an inspection or diagnostic check where necessary.

What Do Green, Blue and White Dashboard Lights Mean?

Green, blue and white dashboard lights are generally informational rather than fault warnings.

They may indicate that features such as:

are operating.

The exact meaning depends on your vehicle, so check the handbook if you are unsure about a symbol.

Why Do Dashboard Warning Lights Come On When You Start the Car?

It is normal for several warning lights to illuminate briefly when you switch on the ignition.

Your car carries out system checks during startup, so symbols such as the engine management, ABS, airbag and battery lights may appear temporarily.

If the lights switch off after the checks are completed, this is generally normal.

If a warning light remains illuminated after starting the engine, check your vehicle handbook to identify the symbol and find out what action the manufacturer recommends.

Car Dashboard Warning Lights: Symbols and Their Meanings

There are many dashboard warning lights used across different makes and models. Although the exact design can vary, several symbols are widely recognised.

Below are some of the most common car dashboard warning lights in the UK, including what they mean, possible causes and what you should do.

1. Brake Warning Light
warning ligts

The brake warning light is commonly shown as an exclamation mark inside a circle, sometimes with curved brackets on either side.

Depending on the vehicle, it can indicate:

If you have released the parking brake but the warning remains illuminated, do not ignore it. A brake warning is particularly important because the braking system is critical to vehicle safety.

Can I drive with the brake warning light on?

If the light remains on after releasing the parking brake, stop somewhere safe and check your vehicle handbook.

Do not continue driving if:

In these circumstances, arrange professional assistance rather than taking the risk of driving further.

2. Engine Management Warning Light
engine management light

The engine management light, also known as the check engine light, is usually shown as an engine-shaped symbol.

It means the vehicle's engine management or emissions system has detected a fault.

There are many possible causes, including:

You may also notice:

The warning light itself does not identify the failed component. A diagnostic check is normally required to determine the underlying problem.

Can I drive with the engine management light on?

If the light is steady and the vehicle is driving normally, you may be able to continue driving cautiously for a short distance but arrange a diagnostic check as soon as possible.

If the engine management light is flashing, or the car is:

Find a safe place to stop and seek professional assistance.

3. Airbag Warning Light
warning lights airbag

The airbag warning light usually shows a person sitting in front of an airbag. It indicates a possible fault with the vehicle's airbag or supplementary restraint system (SRS).

The problem could involve:

If the warning remains illuminated, the affected safety system may not operate as intended during a collision

Can I drive with the airbag warning light on?

The vehicle may still be physically drivable, but an airbag or restraint system fault should be inspected promptly. Because airbags and seat-belt restraint systems are important, safety features do not ignore an illuminated airbag warning.

4. Power Steering Warning Light
steering power

The power steering warning light is generally represented by a steering wheel, sometimes with an exclamation mark.

Some vehicles may display EPS, which refers to electric power steering.

The warning can indicate a problem with the power steering system. Modern vehicles commonly use electric power steering, while some older vehicles use hydraulic systems.

You may notice that:

Can I drive with the power steering warning light on?

If the steering suddenly becomes heavy or difficult to control, stop somewhere safe and seek assistance.

If the steering feels normal but the warning remains illuminated, arrange an inspection as soon as possible.

A loss of power assistance can make the vehicle considerably harder to manoeuvre, particularly when parking or driving at low speeds.

5. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning Light
warning lightd dpf

The DPF warning light is found on diesel vehicles and is usually represented by a filter-shaped symbol.

A diesel particulate filter captures soot from the engine's exhaust gases. The vehicle normally removes accumulated soot through a process called regeneration.

The warning may appear when:

Frequent short journeys and low-speed driving can contribute to DPF problems because the vehicle may not reach the conditions required for effective regeneration.

Can I drive with the DPF warning light on?

The correct action depends on the vehicle and manufacturer's instructions. Some vehicles may require a specific type of journey to allow the DPF to regenerate, while others may require professional attention. Do not ignore persistent DPF warnings.

If the warning remains on, another warning light appears or the vehicle begins losing power, arrange for a professional inspection.

6. Engine Temperature Warning Light
warning lights engine temperature

The engine temperature warning light is commonly represented by a thermometer over wavy lines. It can indicate that the engine is overheating or that there is a problem with the cooling system.

Possible causes include:

Continuing to drive an overheating vehicle can cause serious engine damage.

Can I drive with the engine temperature warning light on?

You should stop as soon as it is safe to do so and switch off the engine. Allow the engine to cool before checking the coolant level.

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system may be pressurised and hot coolant or steam can cause serious burns. Once the engine has cooled, follow the manufacturer's instructions for checking the coolant.

If the warning returns, the coolant level is low or you notice a leak, seek professional assistance.

7. Coolant Warning Light
warning lights coolant

The coolant warning light can indicate a low coolant level or a problem within the vehicle's cooling system.

Coolant helps regulate engine temperature and prevents the engine from overheating.

Possible causes include:

Can I drive with the coolant warning light on?

Avoid continuing a long journey with a coolant warning illuminated. If the engine temperature is rising or an overheating warning also appears, stop as soon as it is safe to do so. After allowing the engine to cool, check the coolant's level according to the manufacturer's instructions.

If the coolant level repeatedly falls, there may be an underlying leak or cooling system fault that needs professional attention.

8. Oil Warning Light
warning lights oil

The oil warning light is usually represented by an oil can. It is commonly associated with low engine oil pressure, although the exact meaning depends on the vehicle.

Possible causes include:

Low oil pressure can prevent important engine components from receiving adequate lubrication. Continuing to drive in this situation can cause serious engine damage.

Can I drive with the oil warning light on?

No, If the oil warning light appears while driving:

Do not assume that adding oil has solved the problem if the warning remains illuminated.

9. Low Tyre Pressure Warning Light
warning lights tyre pressure

The low tyre pressure warning light is usually shown as an exclamation mark inside a horseshoe-shaped tyre symbol. It indicates that the tyre pressure monitoring system has detected low pressure in one or more tyres.

Possible causes include:

Incorrect tyre pressures can affect:

Can I drive with the tyre pressure warning light on?

Check your tyres as soon as it is safe to do so. If a tyre is visibly damaged, punctured or significantly underinflated, avoid continuing to drive on it.

Check and adjust the tyre pressures using the manufacturer's recommended figures. If the warning remains after correcting the pressures, the system or one of the tyres may require further investigation.

10. Battery or Charging System Warning Light
warning lights battery charge

The battery warning light is usually represented by a battery with positive and negative symbols. Although it is commonly called the battery warning light, it can indicate a problem with the vehicle's charging system rather than the battery itself.

Possible causes include:

If the alternator is not charging the battery correctly, the vehicle can eventually lose electrical power and stop.

Can I drive with the battery warning light on?

The vehicle may continue running for a limited period, but you should have the charging system checked as soon as possible. Avoid making a long journey while the warning remains illuminated. If electrical systems begin to stop working or the vehicle starts behaving unusually, find somewhere safe to stop and seek assistance.

11. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light
warning lights abs

The ABS warning light is usually displayed as ABS inside a circle. The anti-lock braking system helps prevent the wheels from locking during heavy braking, helping the driver maintain steering control.

If the ABS warning remains illuminated, there may be a fault with the system.

This does not necessarily mean that the vehicle's normal braking system has stopped working. However, the anti-lock function may not operate correctly when needed.

Can I drive with the ABS warning light on?

If the ABS warning appears on its own and the brakes feel normal, you may be able to continue driving cautiously.

However:

If the ABS warning appears together with a red brake warning light, stop safely and seek professional assistance.

12. Electronic Stability Control (ESC/ESP) Warning Light
warning lights stability

The electronic stability control warning light is usually represented by a car with wavy lines underneath it.

Depending on the manufacturer, the system may be called:

The system helps maintain vehicle stability when it detects wheel slip or loss of traction.

What does a flashing ESC or ESP light mean?

If the symbol flashes, the system may be actively intervening to help maintain stability.

For example, it may flash when driving on a slippery surface and the vehicle detects wheel slip.

If the light remains illuminated, the system may have been switched off or a fault may have been detected.

Can I drive with the ESC/ESP warning light on?

Check your vehicle handbook to determine whether the system has been switched off intentionally. If the warning remains illuminated and you have not switched the system off, arrange an inspection.

Take extra care in wet, icy, or otherwise slippery conditions because the stability-control system may not be operating as intended.

13. Brake Pad Warning Light
warning lights brake pad

Some vehicles have a dedicated brake pad warning light, usually represented by a circle with segmented or broken lines around it.

This warning indicates that a brake pad wear sensor has detected that the pads may be approaching their replacement limit.

Brake pads naturally wear through normal use. If they become excessively worn, braking performance can eventually be affected and other components may also be damaged.

Can I drive with the brake pad warning light on?

Arrange a brake inspection as soon as possible.

The warning is designed to give you an opportunity to replace the brake pads before they become excessively worn.

Do not continue driving unnecessarily if you notice:

Other Dashboard Symbols You May See

Not every symbol on your dashboard indicates a mechanical fault. Depending on the vehicle, you may also see lights for:

Always check your vehicle handbook if you are unsure what a symbol means.

What Does a Flashing Dashboard Warning Light Mean?

A flashing warning light can require more urgent attention than a steady light, but its meaning depends on the particular symbol and vehicle.

For example:

If a warning light starts flashing and the vehicle is also:

Find a safe place to stop and seek professional assistance. Do not assume that switching the engine off and restarting it has fixed the underlying problem.

What Should You Do When a Dashboard Warning Light Appears?

If a warning light appears while driving, don't panic. First identify the symbol and then consider how the vehicle is behaving.

1. Identify the warning light

Look at the exact symbol and its colour. If you do not recognise it, check your vehicle handbook before continuing your journey.

2. Check how the car is behaving

Pay attention to symptoms such as:

A warning light combined with a noticeable change in vehicle behaviour generally requires greater caution.

3. Find somewhere safe to stop if necessary

If the warning indicates a potentially serious problem, do not continue driving simply to reach your destination. Find a safe place to pull over and switch off the engine where appropriate.

4. Check the vehicle handbook

Dashboard symbols can vary between manufacturers and models. Your handbook provides the manufacturer's specific instructions for your vehicle.

5. Arrange a diagnostic check or inspection

If a warning remains illuminated, returns after restarting or is accompanied by unusual symptoms, arrange a professional inspection. A diagnostic check may be required to identify the underlying fault.

6. Check your car warranty

If the warning has been caused by a mechanical or electrical failure, check your car warranty before agreeing to pay for repairs.

Whether a repair is covered depends on the failed component, the cause of the problem and the terms, exclusions and limits of your individual policy.

When Should You Stop Driving Because of a Warning Light?

You should stop as soon as it is safe to do so if:

If you are unsure whether the vehicle is safe to drive, contact a breakdown or roadside assistance service rather than taking unnecessary risks.

When Can You Continue Driving With a Warning Light On?

Some warning lights may allow you to continue driving cautiously if the vehicle is operating normally. For example, a steady amber engine management or ABS warning may not require you to stop immediately, depending on the circumstances.

Before continuing, check the warning symbol and your vehicle handbook, and look for any changes in vehicle performance. Avoid unnecessary journeys and arrange an inspection or diagnostic check as soon as possible.

Do not assume that a car is safe to drive simply because it is still running normally.

What If a Dashboard Warning Light Goes Off?

A warning light disappearing does not necessarily mean the problem has been permanently fixed.

Some faults occur intermittently. A warning may appear when a problem is detected and disappear when the condition is no longer present.

If a warning light:

make a note of what happened and arrange an inspection.

Useful information to record includes:

This information can help a technician identify the underlying issue.

How to Reset or Turn Off Car Warning Lights

If a car warning light appears on your dashboard, it usually means your vehicle has detected an issue that needs attention.

Once the problem has been fixed, the warning light may switch off automatically. In some cases, however, you may need to restart the vehicle or follow the reset instructions in your vehicle handbook.

If the light stays on after the repair, the problem may not have been fully resolved, or another fault may have been detected.

Avoid simply resetting or turning off a warning light without checking the cause first. If it remains illuminated or comes back after driving, have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic.

Why Shouldn't You Ignore Dashboard Warning Lights?

A dashboard warning light can be the first indication that something is wrong with your vehicle. Ignoring it may allow a relatively minor fault to become more serious, potentially affecting safety, causing a breakdown or increasing repair costs.

Warnings relating to the brakes, steering, tyres, airbags, oil pressure and engine temperature can be particularly important.

Getting the cause checked promptly can help identify the problem before it develops into a more serious fault.

Are Dashboard Warning Lights Covered by a Car Warranty?

A dashboard warning light itself is not a mechanical component or repair, so it is not normally a question of whether the light is "covered". The important question is what caused the warning to appear.

If an engine management warning, for example, is caused by a covered mechanical or electrical component, the resulting repair may be eligible under the relevant warranty, subject to the policy's terms and conditions.

Before authorising repairs, check:

Always check your individual warranty terms rather than assuming a repair will or will not be covered.

Conclusion

Dashboard warning lights are an important way for your car to communicate that a system is operating, requires attention or may have developed a fault. The colour of the warning can provide a general indication of urgency, but it should not be used on its own to decide whether it is safe to drive.

If a warning light stays on, flashes repeatedly or is accompanied by changes in braking, steering, engine performance or other unusual symptoms, stop safely where appropriate and seek professional assistance. Always check your vehicle handbook for the manufacturer's specific instructions.

If a warning light leads to a mechanical or electrical problem, check your car warranty before agreeing to repairs. Depending on your policy, the affected component may be covered, subject to the terms and conditions of your cover.

If you're looking for protection against unexpected mechanical and electrical repair costs, you can check the car warranty options available from Warranty Direct.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Car Dashboard Warning Lights

1. What is the most serious dashboard warning light?

There is no single dashboard warning light that is always the most serious. Red warnings relating to oil pressure, brakes and engine overheating can indicate conditions where continuing to drive could cause serious mechanical damage or create a safety risk.

2. What does a red dashboard warning light mean?

A red dashboard warning light generally indicates a serious fault or safety-related condition that may require immediate attention. Stop safely and check your vehicle handbook before continuing.

3. What does an amber dashboard warning light mean?

An amber or yellow dashboard warning light generally means that your car has detected a fault or condition that needs attention. Depending on the warning and how the vehicle is behaving, you may be able to continue driving cautiously, but the issue should be checked.

4. Can I drive with an amber warning light on?

Sometimes. A steady amber warning on a vehicle that is otherwise driving normally may allow you to continue cautiously for a short distance. However, some amber warnings may require more immediate action. Check your vehicle handbook and arrange an inspection or diagnostic check where necessary.

5. What does the engine warning light mean?

The engine warning light indicates that the vehicle's engine management or emissions system has detected a fault. The cause can range from a sensor or electrical issue to a more serious engine or emissions problem. A diagnostic check is usually needed to identify the cause.

6. Why is my engine warning light flashing?

A flashing engine warning light can indicate a more serious engine or emissions fault, particularly if the vehicle is misfiring, shaking or losing power. Avoid unnecessary driving, stop safely and seek professional assistance.

7. Why are several warning lights showing at the same time?

Several warning lights can appear together when one underlying problem affects multiple vehicle systems. This can happen with issues involving the battery, charging system, low voltage or vehicle electronics. If several warning lights appear suddenly, particularly alongside changes in vehicle behaviour, stop somewhere safe and seek professional assistance.