Car Dashboard Lights Color and Meaning

Your car's dashboard is equipped with a variety of car warning lights that let you know when something is wrong with your vehicle. These lights come in different colors, each of which has a specific meaning. Car dashboard warning lights are a critical part of your car's safety system. They alert you to potential problems with your car's engine, brakes, tires, and other important systems. It is important to understand what each warning light means so that you can take appropriate action if one comes on.

Meaning of Car Dashboard Lights by Color

A simple method for identifying dashboard lights and how much you need to worry about them is by color of the light that shows up.

1. Green Dashboard Lights

Green lights indicate that a system is on or operating normally. For example, a green light may indicate that the headlights are on or that the fuel system is working properly.

2. Yellow or Amber Dashboard Lights

Yellow or amber lights indicate that there is a problem with a system, but it is not a serious problem. For example, a yellow light may indicate that the oil level is low or that the tire pressure is low.

3. Red Dashboard Lights

Red lights indicate a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately. For example, a red light may indicate that the engine is overheating or that the brake system is malfunctioning.

Most Common Car Dashboard Warning Lights and What They Mean?

Here we have compiled a list of lights that you are most likely to see at some point in your car ownership experience.

1. Engine Temperature Warning Light 

This light indicates that the engine is overheating. If this car warning light comes on, pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Driving with an overheated engine can cause serious damage to the engine.

2. Oil Pressure Warning Light

This car dashboard light indicates that the oil pressure is low. If this light comes on, pull over and check the oil level. If the oil level is low, add oil and then turn off the engine. Low oil pressure can indeed cause the engine to seize up, which can be very expensive to repair.

3. Tire Pressure Warning Light

This light indicates that one or more tires are low on air. If this car dashboard warning light comes on, pull over and check the tire pressure. Low tire pressure can affect the handling of your car and make it more likely to have a blowout.

4. Brake Warning Light

This light indicates that there is a problem with the brake system. If this light comes on, slow down gradually and pull over to a safe location. Do not drive the car any further until the problem is fixed.

5. Check Engine Light

This light is a generic warning light that can indicate a variety of problems. If this car warning symbol comes, it is important to have your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. The check engine light can be caused by a number of things, such as a misfire, a problem with the emissions system, or a problem with the fuel system.

6. Battery Warning Light

This light indicates that the battery is low or that there is a problem with the charging system. If this light comes on, you may need to have your battery or alternator replaced.

7. Airbag Warning Light

This car warning symbol depicts that there is a problem with the airbag system. If this light comes on, you should have the airbag system checked by a mechanic.

8. Traction Control Warning Light

This car warning symbol indicates that the traction control system is not working properly. Traction control helps to prevent your car from losing traction on slippery surfaces. If this light comes on, you may need to have the traction control system repaired.

9. Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light

This light indicates that the anti-lock brake system is not working properly. Anti-lock brakes help to prevent your car from skidding when you brake suddenly. If this car warning symbol activates, you may need to have the anti-lock brake system repaired.

10. Security Warning Light

This light indicates that the security system is not working properly. The security system helps to protect your car from theft. If this car warning symbol activates, you should have the security system checked by a mechanic.

What to do if a car dashboard warning light comes on?

If a car warning light comes on, it is important to take action immediately. The specific action you need to take will depend on the color of the light.

1. Green Or Blue Lights: You can ignore these lights unless they start flashing.
2. Yellow Or Amber Lights: You should take your car to a mechanic to have the problem diagnosed and repaired.
3. Red lights: You should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Then, have your car towed to a mechanic.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the car dashboard warning lights in your car so that you can take appropriate action if one comes on. By understanding what each light means, you can help to keep your car safe and running smoothly.

A Few Additional Tips For You

• Familiarize yourself with the location and meaning of all the car warning lights in your car's dashboard.
• If a warning light comes on, take action immediately, even if the light is yellow or amber.
• Do not ignore a warning light, even if it goes off after a few minutes.
• Have your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible if a warning light comes on.

By understanding the car warning signs in your car, you can help to keep your car safe and running smoothly. The specific action you need to take will totally depend on the color of the light. If you are not sure what a dashboard warning light means, you should always consult your car's owner's manual.