Vital Car Dashboard Symbols Explained & When to Take Action

Understanding dashboard car symbols are important because they provide warning signs for problems with your car’s systems. Knowing what they mean and when to take action can help prevent further damage and costly repairs.

This blog will cover 10 vital car dashboard symbols, including the check engine light, battery light, oil pressure light, brake system warning light, and many more. The purpose of this blog post is to provide a clear and concise explanation of each symbol and when to take action to keep your car running smoothly and avoid potential issues.

With the help of this post, you will be able to understand things like the car lock symbol meaning, car engine sign meaning, the symbol for brake fluid on the car dashboard, and many more.

What do the symbols on your car dashboard mean? 

The car light symbols on your car may vary depending on the make and model, but some of the most common symbols include the check engine light, battery light, oil pressure light, brake system warning light, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light, engine coolant temperature warning light, airbag warning light, ABS warning light, gas cap warning light, and transmission temperature warning light.

Let us discuss everything about these basic car dashboard symbols 

There are many symbols such as brake warning light symbol, a red exclamation mark on dashboard, an orange exclamation mark on dashboard, and many more such things that you should know about:

“Take care of your car in the garage, and the car will take care of you on the road.” by – Amit Kalantri

1- Check engine light: 

This symbol looks like an engine and indicates a problem with the engine or emissions control system. It’s important to take action immediately, as ignoring this symbol could cause further damage to your car’s engine.

2- Battery light: 

This symbol looks like a battery and indicates that the car’s charging system isn’t working correctly. If the light comes on while driving, it’s best to turn off all unnecessary electrical components and head to a mechanic immediately.

3- Oil pressure light: 

This symbol looks like an oil can with a drip coming from it and indicates low oil pressure. Pulling over and checking the oil level is crucial, as low oil pressure could cause engine damage.

4- Brake system warning light: 

This symbol looks like a circle with an exclamation point inside and indicates a problem with the brake system. It’s crucial to have the brakes checked immediately, as they’re a vital safety feature. Some people also call it the brake fluid symbol. In some cases, you may also notice a sign, such as a circle with exclamation point, depicting a similar issue in your car.

5- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light: 

This symbol looks like an exclamation point inside a horseshoe and indicates a problem with the tire pressure. It’s important to check the tire pressure and inflate the tires to the recommended level to avoid a blowout or other tire-related issues.

6- Engine coolant temperature warning light: 

This symbol looks like a wavy liquid thermometer and indicates the engine is overheating. It’s important to turn off the engine and let it cool down before checking the coolant level and bringing the car to a mechanic.

7- Airbag warning light: 

This symbol looks like an airbag deploying and indicates a problem with the airbag system. It’s important to check the airbag system immediately, as it’s a crucial safety feature.

8- ABS warning light: 

This symbol looks like the letters “ABS” inside a circle and indicates a problem with the anti-lock brake system. It’s important to have the ABS system checked immediately, as it’s a crucial safety feature.

9- Gas cap warning light: 

This symbol looks like a gas pump and indicates that the cap isn’t tightened. It’s important to tighten the gas cap to avoid fuel evaporation and potential issues with emissions.

10- Transmission temperature warning light: 

This symbol looks like a thermometer with wavy lines, indicating the transmission is overheating. Pulling over and letting the transmission cool down before bringing the car to a mechanic is important.

When to take action for the warning symbol? 

If you notice something wrong or warning signs with your vehicle, it’s important to know when to take immediate action and when to schedule a service appointment. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Take immediate action if you notice any of the following:
• The brake warning light is on
• The engine temperature warning light is on
• The oil pressure warning light is on
• The battery warning light is on
• The airbag warning light is on
• The check engine light is flashing

Schedule a service appointment if you notice any of the following car dashboard signs: 

• The check engine light is on (but not flashing)
• The tire pressure warning light is on
• The ABS warning light is on
• The service engine soon light is on
• The maintenance required light is on

If you see a dashboard warning light, taking action is important. 

Here are some tips to help you deal with a warning light: 

• Read the owner’s manual: Your owner’s manual will tell you what the warning light means and what you should do.
• Check your gauges: Some warning lights may indicate a problem with your engine, transmission, or brakes. Check your gauges to see if there are any other signs of trouble.
• Stop driving if necessary: If a warning light indicates a serious problem, such as low oil pressure or an overheating engine, stop driving immediately and call for assistance.
• Check your gas cap: A loose or missing gas cap can trigger the check engine light. Check your gas cap to make sure it’s tight.
• Get it checked: If a warning light stays on after you’ve checked everything, a professional must check your vehicle. They can diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.

Conclusion

Understanding dashboard warning symbols is crucial for vehicle safety and maintenance. Ignoring warning lights can lead to serious problems and costly repairs. Knowing when to take immediate action and when to schedule a service appointment can help keep your vehicle running smoothly and prevent accidents on the road.

FAQs

1- What does the check engine light on my dashboard mean?

The check engine light can indicate various issues, ranging from minor problems like a loose gas cap to more serious issues with your engine or emissions system. It’s important to get your vehicle checked by a professional to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.

2- What should I do if the battery warning light comes on while driving?

If the battery warning light comes on while you’re driving, it may mean your battery is not charging properly, or there is an issue with your charging system. You should turn off any non-essential electrical systems and drive to a service center to have the problem diagnosed and repaired.

3- Why is the oil pressure warning light important?

The oil pressure warning light indicates that your engine may not receive enough oil pressure, leading to engine damage or failure. If the oil pressure warning light comes on, immediately pull over and turn off your engine to prevent damage. Check your oil level and have your vehicle checked by a professional.

4- What does the brake warning light indicate?

The brake warning light can indicate various issues with your braking system, including low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or a malfunction in your ABS system. It’s important to get your vehicle checked by a professional to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.

5- What should I do if the airbag warning light comes on?

If the airbag warning light comes on, it may mean a problem with your airbag system. In an accident, your airbags may not deploy properly, which can lead to serious injury or death. You should have your vehicle checked by a professional to diagnose and repair any issues with your airbag system.

6- Why is the tire pressure warning light important?

The tire pressure warning light indicates that your tires may be underinflated, affecting your vehicle’s handling and fuel efficiency. It’s important to check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure. If the tire pressure warning light comes on, check your tire pressure and inflate your tires as needed.