Dashboard lights use colour and symbols to tell you whether a system needs attention or immediate action.
Understand the colours
Red commonly signals a serious condition or an important safety warning. Stop as soon as it is safe, switch off the engine when appropriate and check the owner’s manual. Amber or yellow usually means a system needs attention soon. Green or blue generally confirms that a feature is operating.
Common warning lights
Oil-pressure warning
A red oil-can symbol can mean insufficient oil pressure. Safely stop and switch off the engine. Continuing to drive may cause severe engine damage. Check the oil level only as instructed by the vehicle manufacturer; a normal level does not rule out a pressure fault.
Engine-temperature warning
A thermometer symbol, often red, can indicate overheating. Stop safely, switch off the engine and allow it to cool. Never open a hot cooling system. Seek help if the cause is uncertain.
Battery or charging warning
A battery-shaped symbol while the engine is running usually points to the charging system, not simply the battery. Reduce unnecessary electrical use and arrange inspection promptly; the vehicle may stop once stored energy is exhausted.
Brake warning
A red circle with an exclamation mark or the word BRAKE may indicate the parking brake, low brake fluid or a braking-system problem. Confirm the parking brake is released. If the light remains on or braking feels unusual, stop safely and obtain professional assistance.
ABS warning
An amber ABS light indicates a fault in the anti-lock braking system. Normal braking may remain, but anti-lock assistance might not. Drive cautiously and arrange inspection.
Engine-management light
An amber engine symbol can relate to emissions or engine control. A steady light requires diagnosis soon. If it flashes, reduce load, stop safely and seek assistance because continued driving can cause damage.
Tyre-pressure warning
The horseshoe-shaped symbol with an exclamation mark indicates low pressure or a monitoring-system fault. Check tyres when safe, look for damage and adjust pressure to the vehicle placard—not the maximum shown on the tyre sidewall.
Airbag warning
An illuminated airbag/SRS light means the restraint system needs inspection. Airbags or pretensioners may not work correctly in a collision.
Remember
Symbols vary by vehicle. The owner’s manual is the authoritative guide for your model. If several red lights appear together, the steering changes, smoke is visible or the engine makes unusual noise, stop safely and request assistance.