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Dashboard Warning Lights Explained

Discover what those sudden dashboard warning lights on your car really mean and learn how to respond before small issues become costly.

Dashboard Warning Lights Explained
Holly Jenkinson

Published: 21 June 2023

Updated: 09 April 2026

Read time: 8 minutes

Have you ever been driving along when suddenly a mysterious light illuminates on your car's dashboard? It's a situation that many drivers have encountered at some point, and it can be quite alarming.

Dashboard warning lights are designed to alert us to potential issues with our vehicles, but understanding their meanings can be a challenge. This guide will help you understand what they mean and the appropriate action to take to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

We’ll break down dashboard warning lights for both ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles and EV/Hybrid vehicles, because while some symbols may look familiar, their meanings can differ depending on the type of vehicle.

One of the easiest ways to assess a warning light is by its colour, which indicates the urgency of the issue:

  • Red: This usually signals a serious problem that could affect safety or damage the vehicle if ignored, such as brake failure, engine overheating, or oil pressure issues. Stop driving as soon as safely possible and address the issue.
  • Amber: These lights indicate that something needs attention soon, but it is not an immediate emergency.
  • Green: These indicate that a system is active or functioning normally.

ICE Vehicle Warning Symbols

Internal combustion engine vehicles, also known as ICE vehicles, have many different components that can flag up on your dashboard.

Brake Warning Light

If this red light remains illuminated after you fully release the parking brake or comes on while driving, this indicates an issue with your car’s braking system. It could mean anything from low brake fluid to worn brake pads or a malfunctioning ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The brakes are one of the most important safety features of your car, so it’s important to act immediately when you see this red car warning light.

Brake Warning Light Symbol
Engine Oil Warning Light

Engine Oil Warning Light

The oil pressure warning light implies that either the oil temperature is too high or there is low oil pressure in your engine. It may be due to low oil levels or a problem with the oil pump. Low oil pressure can cause severe engine damage, so it's crucial to pull over, check your oil level, and add oil if necessary. If the oil levels are fine, then the oil pump may be faulty. In this case, consult a mechanic immediately.

Engine Temperature Warning Light

This light will come on when the engine is overheating. This could mean that coolant levels are running low. This light comes on when the engine is overheating, often due to low coolant levels or a fault in the cooling system. If this light is red, you should stop straight away, as without enough coolant, your engine could get so hot that it effectively welds itself together, causing irreparable damage. Stop and wait until the engine has cooled off before checking the gauge on the side of the coolant tank under the bonnet, topping up as required.

Engine Temperature Warning Light
Engine Management Warning Light

Engine Management Light

When the engine management light is illuminated, it’s often accompanied by tell-tale signs that the engine is not working properly, such as a lack of power as you press the accelerator. You should get it checked as soon as you can, as by continuing to drive, you risk causing further, potentially irreparable damage to your engine. 

Battery Warning Light

The battery warning light indicates a problem with your car's charging system. It could be due to a problem with your car’s electrical system, such as a faulty alternator, a loose or damaged belt, or a weak battery. Ignoring this light could lead to a dead battery and leave you stranded. Have your vehicle's electrical system checked as soon as possible.

Battery Warning Light
ABS Warning Light

ABS Warning Light

The ABS warning light indicates a problem with your car's Anti-lock Braking System. It could mean a faulty ABS sensor, a malfunctioning pump, or a damaged control module. If the ABS light comes on by itself, you should still have normal, unassisted braking, so it's safe to continue your journey, but keep your distance, take extra care, and get it checked as soon as possible.

If it comes on with the brake warning light, it could indicate that the brake system is failing, and you should stop straight away and call for roadside assistance.

Power Steering Warning Light

If this light comes on, your vehicle’s power steering system may be malfunctioning. This could be due to a fault in the hydraulic or electric power steering system. While you can still steer manually, it will require more effort, especially at low speeds, so drive carefully and get it checked promptly.

Power Steering Warning Symbol
Airbag Warning Light

Airbag Warning Light

The airbag warning light indicates a fault in your vehicle's airbag system. It could mean a defective sensor, faulty wiring, or a problem with the airbag deployment mechanism. Since airbags are a critical safety feature, it's important to have this issue addressed promptly.

Tyre Pressure Warning Light

The tyre pressure warning light indicates that one or more of your tyres has low air pressure. Driving on underinflated tyres can affect handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity. Check your tyre pressures at the next opportunity and inflate them to the recommended levels, which you can find on the inside of the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual.

Tyre Pressure Warning Light
Low Fuel Warning Symbol

Low Fuel Warning Light

The low fuel warning light alerts you that your fuel tank is nearly empty. It usually illuminates when you have approximately 30-50 miles of driving left, depending on your vehicle. Make sure to refuel as soon as possible to avoid being stranded.

*Dashboard symbols can vary by make, model, and year. This guide is for general reference; always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for precise information.*

EV Vehicle Warning Symbols

Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than ICE models, but they come with their own systems that can trigger warning lights. Understanding these lights will help you keep your EV running efficiently and safely.

Battery Warning Light

This light signals that there’s an issue with your EV’s high-voltage or 12V battery system. It could be caused by a connection problem, a battery module fault, or another electrical system issue. Because it’s not always possible to know how serious the problem is, it’s safest to stop driving when convenient and arrange a professional inspection as soon as possible.

Battery Warning Light
Charging System Warning Light

Charging System Fault Warning Light

This light indicates a problem with your EV’s charging system. Often, it’s something simple like a loose connection or a faulty charging cable, but it could also signal an issue with the onboard charger. If the light comes on while charging, try using a different cable or charger first. If the warning persists, stop charging and have a qualified technician inspect the system.

Battery Temperature Warning Light

EV batteries work best within a specific temperature range. If this warning light comes on, it means the battery is too hot or too cold for optimal operation. You may notice limited acceleration or charging restrictions. Pause driving if possible and allow the battery to reach a normal temperature. If the problem persists, get it checked by a professional.

Battery Temperature Warning Light
ABS Warning Light

ABS Warning Light

The ABS warning light indicates a problem with your vehicle’s Anti-lock Braking System, which in EVs works alongside regenerative braking. It could mean a faulty ABS sensor, a malfunctioning pump, or a damaged control module. If the ABS light comes on by itself, you should still have normal, unassisted braking, so it's safe to continue your journey, but keep your distance, take extra care, and get it checked as soon as possible.

If it comes on with the brake warning light, it could indicate that the brake system is failing, and you should stop straight away and call for roadside assistance.

Power Steering Warning Light

If this light comes on, your vehicle’s power steering system may be malfunctioning. In EVs, this is an electric system, so the issue is likely related to a fault within the vehicle’s electronics. While you can still steer manually, it will require more effort, especially at low speeds, so drive carefully and have the system checked promptly.

Power Steering Warning Symbol
Tyre Pressure Warning Light

Tyre Pressure Warning Light

The tyre pressure warning light indicates that one or more of your tyres has low air pressure. Driving on underinflated tyres can affect handling, reduce battery range, and tyre longevity. Check your tyre pressures at the next opportunity and inflate them to the recommended levels, which you can find on the inside of the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual.

Battery Re-Conditioning Mode

While this is very similar to what the symbol looks like for spark plugs in ICE models, this isn't a symbol of concern for an electric vehicle. Some EVs automatically heat or cool the battery to optimise performance and charging efficiency. Many vehicles also let you manually set the battery to precondition before driving to a charging station, ensuring it reaches the optimal temperature for faster and safer charging. When this light is on, it’s usually informational rather than a warning, so there’s no need to worry. The light should turn off once the process is complete, but if it doesn’t, have it checked.

Battery Pre-Conditioning Symbol
Airbag Warning Light

Airbag Warning Light

The airbag warning light indicates a fault in your vehicle's airbag system. While EVs differ in how they are powered, the airbag system functions in the same way as in traditional vehicles. Since airbags are a critical safety feature, it's important to have this issue addressed promptly.

*EV dashboard symbols are still evolving and may not match those shown here. This guide is for general reference. Refer to your EV’s manual for exact meanings.*

FAQs

Can you Drive with a Dashboard Warning Light On?

The colour of the warning lights means different things and relates to how serious the issue may be. Red lights usually signal a serious problem that could affect safety or damage the vehicle if ignored. Amber lights indicate that something needs attention soon, but is not an immediate emergency, while green lights indicate that a system is active or functioning normally.

What is the Most Urgent Dashboard Warning Light?

Red warning lights are the most urgent. These can affect safety or cause severe damage if ignored, so you should stop driving immediately.

What is the Most Common Dashboard Warning Light?

The most common dashboard warning light is the engine management light. This light could indicate a number of faults, from minor issues like a broken electrical sensor to a much larger mechanical issue, like a fault with your emission control system or catalytic converter.

What Should I Do if Multiple Warning Lights Come On?

If multiple warning lights appear at the same time, it could indicate a more serious underlying issue or system fault. Drive with caution and get it checked as soon as possible. If any red warning lights are present, stop driving immediately and arrange roadside assistance.

Are Dashboard Warning Lights the Same in EVs and Petrol Cars?

Some warning lights are the same across both EVs and petrol cars, such as ABS and airbag lights. However, EVs use a battery instead of an engine, so while the symbols may look similar, their meanings can differ.

Hopefully, you won’t be seeing these warning lights anytime soon, but it’s always best to stay prepared. Make sure your car is in the best possible condition by booking a free vehicle health check at your preferred JCT600 dealership.

If you drive a Mercedes-Benz, we also have a dedicated guide covering Mercedes-Benz dashboard symbols, tailored specifically to the symbols used by the manufacturer.

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48 Monthly payments of
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8.4p

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