A recent study in early 2023 has found that 9 out of 10 people had a warning symbol pop up in their car that they didn’t recognize.

A recent study in 2023 has found that 9 out of 10 people had a warning symbol pop up in their car that they didn’t recognize.

 

Warning lights can flag issues with the engine, or can even save a driver's life in the most serious of cases - but how many do you know? 

They are an everyday sight that could mean the difference between a smooth journey and a costly repair bill.

But many of us do not have much of an idea about warning lights and symbols on our car dashboards, and when to take action.

Warning lights can flag issues with the engine, or can even save a driver's life in the most serious of cases - but how many do you know? 

According to a new survey, one in three cannot recognise which symbol is the headlamp indicator, while 27 per cent can't identify the 'check engine' sign, the study of 2,000 drivers found.

And when people do understand what the car is warning them about, very few know how to manage the problem themselves. 

Two-thirds of those polled have no idea how to check the oil, just under half don't know how to change a tyre, and 44 per cent wouldn't have a clue how to change the windscreen wipers.

While 58 per cent have no idea what their tyre thread limit should be when it becomes illegal, or how to check it.

Dashboard warning lights are displayed by colour in red, amber, green and blue on a spectrum of how serious the problem is. While blue and green warning lights are less urgent, we advise you to take the same precautions as you would for the more serious warnings to prevent damage to your car.

Some problems will be easy to fix and not particularly urgent, a low windscreen washer fluid warning, for example. Other more serious faults denoted by red and amber warning lights will need to be promptly checked by a professional, especially if they relate to the brakes, engine, oil or gearbox.

The majority of warning lights are common to all makes and models of cars, although their precise locations, on or around the dashboard, may vary. 

Here is your handy guide to recognising what each symbol means and what you need to do about it.

 

 

 

1. Front fog lights turned on

2. Power steering system problems

3. Rear fog lights switched on

4. Low level of windscreen fluid

5. Worn brake pads

6. Cruise control is activated

7. Signalling direction

8. Trouble on light sensor or rain sensor

9. Winter mode

10. Info indicator

11. The diesel auxiliary heater

12. Ice warning

13. Starting system problems

14. The key is not in the car

15. Key low battery

16. Warning distance to another car

17. Indicator to push the clutch

18. Indicator to push the brake pedal

19. Locked steering-wheel

20. Long beam turned on

21. Low tyre pressure

22. Short beam on

23. Problems with headlight / taillights / signals bulbs

24. Problems with brake lights

25. Problems with the particulate filter (DPF)

26. Error - disconnection of the plug from the trailer

27. Air suspension problems

28. Warning for exceeding the lane without signalling (anti-sleep system, lane assist)

29. Problems with catalyst

30. Warning for seat belt (belt is not on)

31. Warning parking light 

32. Alternator or battery problems

33. Parking sensors turned on

34. Service warning light

35. Adaptive headlights turned on

36. Headlight angle

37. Problems with variable rear spoiler

38. Problems in triggering electric roof

39. Front airbag is switched off

40. Handbrake is pulled on

41. Water in fuel filter

42. Airbag switched off

43. Mechanical problem or electrical error

44. Short beam turned on

45. Dirty air filter requires replacement

46. ECO mode turned on

47. Downhill assist on

48. Cooling system problems

49. Problem with ABS

50. Problems with fuel filter

51. Open door

52. Open bonnet

53. Fuel tank on reserve, need to fill the tank

54. Automatic gearbox problems

55. Speed limiter is on

56. Suspension problems

57. Low oil pressure

58. Front window defroster

59. Open boot

60. Electronic Stability Programme is off

61. Rain sensor

62. Engine problems or hazards

63. Rear window defroster

64. The automatic windscreen wiper