We’ve all experienced that moment of mild panic: you’re driving, and suddenly a light illuminates on your car’s dashboard, accompanied by a beep. These Car Symbols On Dashboard can range from easily understood to utterly perplexing. Knowing what these indicators mean is crucial for your safety and your vehicle’s health.
Some dashboard symbols are straightforward indicators of activated features, while others serve as crucial warning lights signaling potential problems. Understanding these car symbols on dashboard is not just about deciphering your car’s language; it’s about ensuring you react appropriately to maintain safety and prevent costly repairs.
Understanding the Types of Car Dashboard Symbols
It’s important to recognize that not every car symbol on your dashboard is a cause for alarm. Many symbols are simply indicators of vehicle features in use, such as headlights, cruise control, or driver-assistance systems like lane departure warnings and blind-spot monitoring. Others relate to standard vehicle operation, like low tire pressure or engine temperature.
The color of these car symbols on dashboard is a vital clue to their meaning. Green or blue lights are generally informational, indicating that a system is active and functioning correctly. Yellow or amber lights are warning lights suggesting that your vehicle requires attention soon. These are less critical than red lights, but still shouldn’t be ignored.
A red dashboard symbol demands immediate action. Red lights often signal serious safety concerns, like a seat belt reminder, or critical mechanical issues, such as engine overheating. If a red mechanical warning light appears, it’s crucial to pull over safely as soon as possible to assess the situation. Continuing to drive with a red warning light could lead to significant vehicle damage or breakdown.
Keep these two points in mind as we explore common car symbols on dashboard:
- Car dashboards can vary slightly between manufacturers and models. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most accurate interpretation of specific car symbols on dashboard in your car.
- It’s normal for many car symbols on dashboard to briefly illuminate when you start your car. This is part of a system check. If these lights turn off within a few seconds, it indicates that the systems are functioning as expected.
18 Essential Car Symbols on Your Dashboard Explained
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light 2. Tire Pressure Warning Light 3. Engine Temperature Warning Light 4. Traction Control Alert Light 5. Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light 6. Traction Control Malfunction Light 7. Engine Warning Light (Check Engine Light) 8. Battery Alert Light 9. Low Fuel Indicator Light 10. Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator Light 11. Seat Belt Reminder Light 12. Airbag Warning Light 13. Security Indicator Light 14. Fog Lamp Indicator Light 15. Washer Fluid Indicator Light 16. Brake Warning Light 17. Lane Departure Warning Light 18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: This car symbol on dashboard, often depicted as an old-fashioned oil can, signals a problem within your engine’s oil pressure system. It could indicate low engine oil levels or a malfunctioning oil pump that isn’t circulating enough oil to properly lubricate engine components. Some vehicles may display the word “OIL” instead of this symbol.
What To Do: Low oil pressure can lead to serious engine damage due to inadequate lubrication. This car symbol on dashboard requires immediate attention. Safely pull over to the side of the road, turn off your engine, and check your car’s oil level. Inspect the engine area for any visible oil leaks. Use the oil dipstick to verify the oil level.
If the oil level is low, adding oil might resolve the issue and turn off the light. If the oil level is sufficient, but the engine sounds noisy, it could be an oil pump problem. If the oil level is good and the engine is running smoothly, the oil pressure sensor itself may be faulty. Regardless of the specific cause, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and fix the underlying issue.
Read: Understanding Engine Oil and Why Regular Oil Changes Are Vital
2. Tire Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: This car symbol on dashboard, also known as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) symbol, indicates an issue with your tire pressure or the TPMS itself.
A solid TPMS symbol means that one or more of your tires have incorrect pressure – either too low or too high. If the TPMS symbol flashes for about a minute to a minute and a half when you start your car and then remains illuminated, even after inflating your tires to the correct pressure, there is likely a malfunction with your TPMS sensors.
What To Do: Driving with improperly inflated tires is not only unsafe but can also cause premature tire wear and reduced fuel efficiency. Stop at a safe location as soon as possible to check your tire pressure. Inflate or deflate your tires as needed to reach the recommended pressure, which is usually found on a sticker inside your driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual.
If the light persists after adjusting tire pressure, or if the TPMS light is flashing, it’s advisable to have your TPMS system inspected by a professional. While a malfunctioning TPMS sensor won’t directly impact tire performance, it will prevent the system from warning you about future low tire pressure situations.
Read: Maintaining Optimal Tire Pressure for Safety and Fuel Efficiency
3. Engine Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This car symbol on dashboard, resembling a thermometer submerged in liquid, signifies that your engine is overheating. This is most often related to issues with your engine coolant (antifreeze), but can also stem from various other causes within the cooling system.
What To Do: If you see this car symbol on dashboard, your engine is overheating and requires immediate attention. First, try turning off your car’s air conditioning and turning the heater on to its highest setting, with the fan blowing. This can help draw heat away from the engine and into the passenger compartment. If the light doesn’t turn off after a couple of minutes, or if steam is visible, safely pull over and turn off the engine. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to open the hood. Opening the hood while the engine is hot can be dangerous due to the risk of burns from escaping steam or hot fluids.
While waiting for the engine to cool, plan your next steps. Contact roadside assistance to request coolant top-off or arrange for a tow to a qualified repair shop. Driving a car that is overheating can cause severe and expensive engine damage.
Read: The Dangers of Engine Overheating and How to Prevent It
4. Traction Control Light
What It Means: This car symbol on dashboard indicates that your vehicle’s traction control system is actively engaged. The traction control system uses the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to detect if a wheel is losing traction and spinning faster than others. When wheel slippage is detected, the system automatically applies braking force to the slipping wheel(s) until traction is regained. This system is particularly helpful when driving in slippery conditions like rain or snow.
What To Do: When this car symbol on dashboard illuminates, it means the traction control system is working as intended. Continue driving cautiously, being mindful of potentially slippery road conditions. There is typically no need to take immediate action, but adjust your driving to suit the conditions.
5. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light
What It Means: The ABS, a critical safety feature, prevents your wheels from locking up during hard braking, especially on slippery surfaces. If this car symbol on dashboard, usually displaying “ABS,” is illuminated, it indicates a malfunction within the anti-lock braking system.
What To Do: Because the ABS is a crucial safety system, it’s important to address this warning promptly. Schedule an appointment with a certified mechanic to diagnose and repair the ABS issue as soon as possible. While your regular brakes will likely still function, the ABS may not engage in emergency braking situations, potentially increasing stopping distances on slick surfaces.
Read: Understanding the Importance of Your Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
6. Traction Control Malfunction Light
What It Means: This car symbol on dashboard, often similar to the traction control light but sometimes with the word “OFF” or “!” symbol, indicates a potential malfunction within your vehicle’s traction control system. It could be due to a faulty sensor, damaged wiring, or other system issues. In some vehicles, the ABS and traction control systems share components, so this light can sometimes illuminate due to ABS problems as well.
What To Do: While a traction control malfunction might not impact your daily driving under normal conditions, it means the system may not be available to assist in slippery or low-traction situations. It’s recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic to diagnose and repair the traction control system. Addressing this ensures your vehicle maintains optimal safety performance in all driving conditions.
7. Engine Warning Light (Check Engine Light)
What It Means: The “check engine light,” often depicted as an engine outline or simply the words “CHECK ENGINE,” is one of the most ambiguous car symbols on dashboard. It can be triggered by a wide range of issues, from minor problems like a loose gas cap preventing proper fuel vapor recovery, to more serious issues like engine misfires, catalytic converter problems, or low oil pressure.
What To Do: How you respond to this car symbol on dashboard depends on its behavior. If the check engine light is solid and constant, and you haven’t noticed any significant changes in your car’s performance, sounds, or smells, you can usually continue driving for a short distance, ideally to your home or a trusted repair shop.
However, if the check engine light is red or flashing, this is a more serious warning. A flashing check engine light often signals a critical engine problem that could cause severe damage if ignored. In this case, stop driving immediately and have your vehicle towed to a qualified mechanic.
In either scenario (solid or flashing), it’s essential to get the check engine light diagnosed and the underlying issue repaired as soon as possible to prevent potential further damage and ensure your vehicle is running efficiently and safely.
Read: Decoding the Check Engine Light: Common Causes and When to Seek Help
8. Battery Alert Light
What It Means: This car symbol on dashboard, shaped like a battery, indicates a problem within your vehicle’s charging system. Possible causes can include a loose or corroded battery cable, a failing alternator (which charges the battery while the engine is running), or other electrical system faults. You might notice symptoms like dimming headlights, a clock that resets itself, or, in more severe cases, the car may fail to start.
What To Do: A battery alert light suggests your car’s electrical system is not being properly powered or charged. Have your vehicle’s battery and charging system inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible. Delaying this could lead to a complete battery failure, leaving you stranded. Many auto repair shops offer battery testing and electrical system diagnostics.
Read: Troubleshooting Car Battery Issues: Diagnosis and Solutions
9. Low Fuel Indicator Light
What It Means: This car symbol on dashboard, typically resembling a fuel pump, is a straightforward reminder that your vehicle is running low on fuel.
What To Do: When this light illuminates, it’s time to refuel soon. While most vehicles have a reserve fuel capacity when the low fuel light comes on, it’s best not to rely on it. Fuel levels can be affected by driving conditions, terrain, and vehicle load. Find the nearest gas station and fill up to avoid running out of fuel unexpectedly.
Bonus Tip: Most cars have a small arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on the fuel gauge. This arrow indicates which side of your vehicle the fuel filler door is located on, adding a bit of convenience at the gas station.
10. Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator Light
What It Means: This car symbol on dashboard usually indicates that you are attempting to shift out of “Park” or start the engine without pressing the brake pedal. Modern vehicles are equipped with safety features that prevent shifting or starting unless the brake is engaged.
What To Do: If you see this symbol, simply ensure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal. Then, you should be able to shift gears or start the ignition as intended. This is a safety feature to prevent unintended vehicle movement.
11. Seat Belt Reminder Light
What It Means: This car symbol on dashboard, often showing a person wearing a seat belt, is a simple reminder for the driver and passengers to buckle up. It’s usually accompanied by an audible chime or beeping sound.
What To Do: Fasten your seat belt! Seat belts are a primary safety feature in vehicles, significantly reducing the risk of serious injuries in accidents. Ensure all occupants in your vehicle are properly wearing their seat belts.
Read: Seat Belt Safety: Why Buckling Up is Crucial
12. Airbag Warning Light
What It Means: The airbag warning light, often displaying the word “AIRBAG” or a symbol of a person with a deployed airbag, indicates a problem with one or more of your vehicle’s airbags or the overall airbag system. This could range from a sensor malfunction to a problem with the airbag deployment mechanism itself.
What To Do: An airbag malfunction is a serious safety concern. If this car symbol on dashboard is illuminated, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic immediately. Airbags are designed to deploy in collisions to protect occupants, and a malfunctioning system may not operate correctly in an accident, compromising safety.
13. Security Indicator Light
What It Means: This car symbol on dashboard relates to your vehicle’s anti-theft security system. If your car is equipped with a security system, this light may blink steadily when the system is armed (vehicle locked and alarm active).
If the security indicator light is solid and the car will not start, it could indicate that the immobilizer system has been activated due to a perceived security threat or a system malfunction. If the light is solid and the car is running normally, it might suggest a malfunction within the security system itself.
What To Do: If your vehicle is immobilized due to the security system, consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to deactivate or reset the system. This may involve using your key fob in a specific way or entering a security code. If the security system seems to be malfunctioning while the car is running, have it checked by a mechanic to ensure your anti-theft system is functioning correctly.
14. Fog Lamp Indicator Light
What It Means: This car symbol on dashboard indicates that your fog lights are currently switched on. Fog lights are designed to provide supplementary illumination in conditions of low visibility such as fog, heavy rain, or snow.
What To Do: Fog lights should only be used when visibility is significantly reduced, typically less than 100 yards. Using fog lights in clear conditions can create glare for other drivers and is often illegal. Remember to turn off your fog lights when visibility improves.
15. Washer Fluid Indicator Light
What It Means: This car symbol on dashboard, often depicting a windshield with a spray of water, indicates that your windshield washer fluid reservoir is low and needs refilling.
What To Do: Replenish your windshield washer fluid as soon as practical. Maintaining adequate washer fluid is essential for keeping your windshield clean and ensuring good visibility, especially in inclement weather or when driving on dusty or dirty roads.
16. Brake Warning Light
What It Means: The brake warning light, often displaying the word “BRAKE” in red or a symbol of a circle with an exclamation point inside, can indicate a couple of things. It may mean that your parking brake is engaged. It can also signal a problem with your vehicle’s braking system itself, such as low brake fluid level or a more serious issue.
What To Do: First, if this car symbol on dashboard illuminates, safely stop your vehicle and check if your parking brake is engaged. If it is, disengage the parking brake. If the light remains on after releasing the parking brake, or if it illuminates while driving, it indicates a potential problem with your braking system. In this case, it’s crucial to have your vehicle towed to a qualified repair shop for inspection and repair. Driving with a brake system warning light on is unsafe and should be avoided.
17. Lane Departure Warning Light
What It Means: This car symbol on dashboard is associated with the lane departure warning system, a safety feature in many modern vehicles. When activated, this system monitors your vehicle’s position within lane markings. The light illuminates, often accompanied by a beep or vibration, when the system detects that your vehicle is drifting out of its lane unintentionally.
What To Do: If the lane departure warning light activates, it means the system has detected lane drift. Correct your steering to bring your vehicle back into the lane. The system is designed to alert you to unintentional lane departures, which can happen due to distraction or fatigue. It may also activate when intentionally changing lanes without using your turn signal.
18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This car symbol on dashboard, often resembling a thermometer with a gear symbol, indicates that your vehicle’s transmission is overheating. This could be caused by low transmission fluid, worn transmission components, heavy towing, or other factors putting excessive strain on the transmission.
What To Do: If the transmission temperature warning light illuminates, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible and turn off your vehicle. Allow the transmission to cool down before attempting to drive again. Overheating can cause significant damage to the transmission. It’s recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a transmission specialist to diagnose the cause of the overheating and perform necessary repairs. If the light persists or you suspect a serious transmission issue, it’s best to have your car towed to a repair shop.
Read: Transmission Problems: Symptoms, Causes, and Repair Options
Car Trouble?
Understanding car symbols on dashboard is the first step in responsible vehicle ownership. If you experience any warning lights or suspect a problem with your car, prompt diagnosis and repair are essential. For expert vehicle maintenance and repair services, contact OBD2Global. Our certified technicians can accurately diagnose and resolve any automotive issue, ensuring you get back on the road safely and with confidence. Schedule your service appointment today! Schedule a Service or find one of our convenient locations Our Locations.
