WHAT DO THE LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD MEAN?
WHAT DO THE LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD MEAN?
Posted on July 21, 2026
When a warning light appears on your dashboard, the colour tells you how urgently you need to act, and the symbol tells you what system is affected. Red signals a serious problem requiring you to stop safely as soon as possible, yellow or amber means the issue needs attention soon but short-term driving is generally okay, and green, blue, or white simply indicates a system is active and functioning normally.
Are Warning Lights the Same Across Every Vehicle?
Most dashboard symbols follow ISO 2575 guidelines, which is why icons look familiar across different vehicles. However, they aren't perfectly uniform — manufacturers may modify symbols, and regional standards like UNECE and SAE can also influence their appearance. While all icons are not common to every brand, the core ideas behind them remain the same.
What Each Dashboard Light Colour Tells You
🔴 Red — Indicates a potentially dangerous condition that could cause damage or put safety at risk. Pull over as soon as it's safe to do so. Common examples include engine overheating, low oil pressure, and brake or charging system failures.
🟡 Yellow or Amber — Something needs to be looked at, but it's typically not an immediate emergency. Issues like a check engine alert, low tire pressure, or an ABS fault fall into this category. Short-term driving is usually possible, but don't ignore it.
🟢 🔵 ⚪ Green, Blue, or White — These are informational indicators. They let you know that a particular system — such as your turn signals, high beams, or cruise control — is currently switched on. No action is needed.
Flashing vs. Solid Warning Lights
- Flashing — Treat this as urgent. A flashing check engine light in particular suggests a more severe fault, such as an engine misfire. Reduce your speed and have the vehicle seen to as quickly as possible.
- Solid — Less immediately critical, but still something that should be addressed. Don't put it off indefinitely.
Common Dashboard Warning Lights
- Check Engine — Points to an engine or emissions-related problem, which can range from something minor to something that needs prompt attention
- Oil Pressure — Low oil pressure detected; stop the vehicle immediately to avoid engine damage
- Engine Temperature — The engine is running too hot; pull over safely and let it cool down
- TPMS— One or more tires are below the recommended pressure
- ABS — An issue with the anti-lock braking system that may also affect stability control