We’ve all experienced that moment while driving: a sudden beep, a glance at the dashboard, and the appearance of an unfamiliar symbol. Instantly, questions flood your mind – is something wrong with my car? Do I need to pull over?
Understanding the symbols on your car’s dashboard is crucial for every driver. While some icons are self-explanatory, others can be cryptic. Knowing what these lights indicate can ensure your safety and prevent potential vehicle damage. This guide will help you decipher the most common Car Symbols, distinguishing between essential warnings and informational indicators.
Understanding the Types of Car Dashboard Symbols
It’s important to recognize that not every dashboard symbol signals a problem. Many represent activated vehicle features, such as headlights, cruise control, or driver-assistance systems like blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warnings. Others relate to standard vehicle operations, like low fuel or engaged parking brake. However, some are indeed warning lights indicating potential issues, from low tire pressure to engine trouble.
Color-coding plays a vital role in interpreting dashboard lights. Green or blue lights are generally informational, confirming that a specific system is active and functioning correctly. Yellow or amber lights are caution indicators, suggesting that your vehicle requires attention soon. These are less critical than red lights, which demand immediate action.
A red light signals a serious issue that needs your prompt attention. These can range from safety alerts like seat belt reminders to critical mechanical warnings such as engine overheating. If a red mechanical warning light illuminates, safely pull over as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with a red warning light could lead to significant vehicle damage or breakdown.
As you explore the following list of common car symbols, remember these two key points:
- Vehicle Specificity: Dashboard symbols can slightly differ between car makes and models. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most accurate interpretation of symbols specific to your car.
- Initial Illumination: Many dashboard lights will briefly light up when you start your car as part of a system check. This is normal. As long as these lights turn off within a few seconds, it indicates that the systems are functioning properly.
18 Essential Car Warning Symbols Explained
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light 2. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light 3. Engine Temperature Warning Light 4. Traction Control System (TCS) Light 5. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light 6. Traction Control System Malfunction Light 7. Check Engine Light 8. Battery Warning Light 9. Low Fuel Level Indicator 10. Automatic Shift Lock Indicator 11. Seat Belt Reminder 12. Airbag System Warning Light 13. Security/Anti-theft System Light 14. Front Fog Lights Indicator 15. Windshield Washer Fluid Low Indicator 16. Brake System Warning Light 17. Lane Departure Warning System Light 18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
What it signifies: Represented by a classic oil can symbol, this car symbol indicates a problem within your car’s oil pressure system. This could be due to low engine oil levels or a malfunctioning oil pump that isn’t effectively circulating oil to lubricate engine components. Some vehicles might display the word “OIL” instead of the symbol.
Recommended Action: Low oil pressure can lead to severe engine damage due to inadequate lubrication. React promptly! Safely pull over to the side of the road, turn off your engine, and check your oil level. Inspect around the engine for any visible oil leaks. Then, use your car’s dipstick to check the oil level.
If the oil level is low, adding oil might resolve the issue and turn off the warning light. However, if the oil level is sufficient but the engine sounds noisy, it could indicate a problem with the oil pump. If the oil level is fine and the engine runs smoothly, a faulty oil pressure sensor might be the cause. In any of these scenarios, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and fix the underlying problem causing low oil pressure.
Read: Understanding Oil Changes and Their Importance
2. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
What it signifies: This symbol, often resembling a horseshoe with an exclamation point, is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) indicator. It alerts you to issues with your tire pressure or the TPMS itself.
A solid TPMS light indicates that one or more of your tires have incorrect pressure – either too low or too high. If the TPMS light flashes for about a minute or two when you start the car and then remains on (even after you’ve confirmed proper tire inflation), it suggests a malfunction within the TPMS sensors.
Recommended Action: Driving with improper tire pressure is unsafe and can damage your tires, affecting handling and fuel efficiency. Stop at the nearest safe location to check your tire pressures and inflate or deflate them to the recommended levels. These pressures are 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 it was flashing initially, it’s advisable to get your TPMS system checked by a professional. While a malfunctioning TPMS won’t directly impact tire performance, it will prevent the system from warning you about future tire pressure drops.
Read: Decoding Your TPMS Light: What You Need to Know
3. Engine Temperature Warning Light
What it signifies: This symbol, often looking like a thermometer submerged in liquid, indicates that your engine is overheating. Overheating is frequently related to issues with the engine coolant (antifreeze), but can arise from various other causes within the cooling system.
Recommended Action: Engine overheating can cause serious damage. Immediately try turning off your car’s air conditioning and turning the heater on to its highest setting. This redirects heat away from the engine and into the passenger cabin. If the temperature gauge doesn’t start to decrease within a couple of minutes, safely pull over and turn off the engine. Let the engine 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. Contacting roadside assistance for coolant top-up or arranging a tow to a repair shop is advisable. Driving a severely overheated engine can lead to irreparable damage.
Read: The Dangers of an Overheating Car Engine
4. Traction Control System (TCS) Light
What it signifies: Usually depicted as a car with squiggly lines underneath, this car symbol indicates that your vehicle’s Traction Control System (TCS) is actively engaged. TCS uses the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to detect if a wheel is spinning faster than others, indicating a loss of traction. When slip is detected, TCS applies braking force to the slipping wheel(s) until traction is regained. This system is particularly helpful when driving on slippery surfaces like rain or snow.
Recommended Action: If this light is flashing intermittently, it means TCS is actively working to maintain traction. Continue driving cautiously, being mindful of potentially slippery road conditions. If the light remains constantly illuminated, it might indicate a malfunction in the TCS system (see #6).
5. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light
What it signifies: The ABS warning light, often displaying the letters “ABS” within a circle, indicates a problem with your car’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). ABS is designed to prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking, especially on slick surfaces, by modulating brake pressure.
Recommended Action: ABS is a critical safety feature. If this light illuminates, it means the ABS system may not function correctly in an emergency braking situation. It’s important to have a qualified mechanic diagnose and repair the ABS issue as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle’s braking safety. Your regular brakes will still function, but you may lose the anti-lock functionality.
Read: How Anti-Lock Braking Systems Enhance Safety
6. Traction Control System Malfunction Light
What it signifies: This car symbol, sometimes similar to the TCS activation light but often continuously lit or accompanied by an exclamation mark, indicates a potential malfunction within the Traction Control System. It could be triggered by a faulty sensor, damage to system components, or other issues. In some vehicles, the ABS and TCS systems share components or a control module, so this light might also illuminate if there are ABS problems.
Recommended Action: While a TCS malfunction may not immediately affect normal driving in ideal conditions, it means your vehicle’s ability to maintain traction in slippery conditions (rain, snow, ice) could be compromised. It is advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic to diagnose and repair the TCS issue, ensuring your safety in inclement weather.
7. Check Engine Light
What it signifies: The universally recognized Check Engine Light, often shaped like an engine block, is one of the most common and often misunderstood car symbols. It can illuminate for a wide range of reasons, from minor issues like a loose gas cap preventing proper fuel vapor sealing, to more serious problems like engine misfires, catalytic converter issues, or low oil pressure. Some dashboards may display the words “CHECK ENGINE” instead of the symbol.
Recommended Action: The appropriate action depends on the light’s behavior and your car’s performance.
- Solid Check Engine Light (no other symptoms): If the light is on but the car is driving normally without unusual noises, smells, or performance issues, it might be a minor or intermittent problem. You can typically continue driving for a short distance, preferably to your home or a trusted mechanic. However, it’s still essential to get it checked soon.
- Flashing Check Engine Light or Red Check Engine Light: A flashing check engine light, or a red one in some vehicles, usually indicates a more severe and potentially engine-damaging issue, such as a misfire. Stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so! Continuing to drive with a flashing check engine light could cause significant damage.
In either case, have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified technician to determine the cause of the check engine light and perform necessary repairs promptly.
Read: Driving with the Check Engine Light On: Is It Safe?
8. Battery Warning Light
What it signifies: This symbol, resembling a car battery, indicates a problem within your vehicle’s charging system. This system, primarily consisting of the battery and alternator, is responsible for providing electrical power to start the engine and run electrical components while driving. Potential causes for this light include a loose or corroded battery cable, a failing alternator unable to charge the battery, or other electrical system faults. You might notice symptoms like dimming headlights, a weak-sounding starter motor, or even difficulty starting the car.
Recommended Action: A malfunctioning charging system can lead to a dead battery and leave you stranded. Have your car’s battery and charging system inspected by a technician as soon as possible. They can diagnose issues like a failing battery, alternator problems, or parasitic drain. Addressing this promptly can prevent your car from failing to start.
Read: Troubleshooting Car Starting Problems: Focus on the Electrical System
9. Low Fuel Level Indicator
What it signifies: This universally recognized symbol, shaped like a fuel pump, simply indicates that your vehicle is running low on fuel and needs refueling soon.
Recommended Action: Refuel your vehicle as soon as conveniently possible. While modern cars can often travel a reasonable distance after the low fuel light illuminates, it’s best not to push your luck. Factors like driving conditions, terrain, and unexpected traffic can affect fuel consumption.
Bonus Tip: Most vehicles have a small arrow next to the fuel pump icon on the fuel gauge. This arrow indicates which side of your car the fuel filler door is located on – a helpful reminder when pulling up to a gas pump!
10. Automatic Shift Lock Indicator
What it signifies: This symbol usually appears when you attempt to shift out of “Park” or start the engine without pressing the brake pedal in vehicles with automatic transmissions. The automatic shift lock is a safety mechanism that prevents unintended gear changes or starting without brake application.
Recommended Action: Ensure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal. Then attempt to shift gears or start the ignition. The symbol should disappear, and you should be able to proceed.
11. Seat Belt Reminder
What it signifies: This symbol, often depicting a person wearing a seatbelt, is a simple reminder for the driver and/or passengers to buckle their seatbelts. It’s usually accompanied by an audible chime or buzzing sound.
Recommended Action: Fasten your seatbelt immediately! Seatbelts are a primary safety feature, significantly reducing the risk of serious injuries in accidents.
Source: CDC Seatbelt Safety Facts
12. Airbag System Warning Light
What it signifies: This symbol, often displaying the word “AIRBAG” or a stylized side view of a person with an airbag deploying, indicates a malfunction within your vehicle’s airbag system. This system includes airbags, sensors, and related components.
Recommended Action: An airbag system malfunction is a serious safety concern. If this light is illuminated, it signifies that one or more airbags might not deploy properly in a collision. Get your vehicle inspected and the airbag system repaired by a qualified technician without delay. Airbags are crucial for occupant safety in crashes.
13. Security/Anti-theft System Light
What it signifies: This symbol varies but often resembles a padlock or a car key silhouette. It relates to your vehicle’s anti-theft or security system.
- Blinking Light (when car is off): A steadily blinking security light when the car is turned off typically indicates that the anti-theft system is armed and actively monitoring. This is normal operation.
- Solid Light and Car Won’t Start: If the security light is solid and the car won’t start, it suggests that the immobilizer system has been activated, potentially due to a perceived security threat or a system malfunction.
- Solid Light and Car Runs Normally: A solid security light while driving normally indicates a malfunction within the security system itself.
Recommended Action:
- Immobilized Vehicle: If your car is immobilized due to the security system, consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on deactivating or resetting the system. This might involve using a key fob sequence or entering a security code.
- Security System Malfunction: If the security system appears to be malfunctioning, have it inspected by a qualified technician. A faulty security system might not protect your vehicle properly from theft.
14. Front Fog Lights Indicator
What it signifies: This symbol, typically showing a headlight icon with a wavy line crossing vertically through the light beams, indicates that your front fog lights are turned on.
Recommended Action: Fog lights are designed for use in conditions of reduced visibility, such as fog, heavy rain, or snow. Use them only when visibility is significantly impaired (generally less than 100 yards). Using fog lights in clear conditions can create glare for other drivers and may be illegal in some areas. Remember to turn them off when visibility improves.
15. Windshield Washer Fluid Low Indicator
What it signifies: This symbol, often depicting a windshield with water spray, indicates that your windshield washer fluid reservoir is low and needs refilling.
Recommended Action: Replenish your windshield washer fluid as soon as practical. Having sufficient washer fluid is essential for maintaining clear visibility through your windshield, especially in dirty or inclement weather conditions.
16. Brake System Warning Light
What it signifies: This symbol can appear in a few forms: the word “BRAKE” in red, an exclamation point within a circle, or sometimes the ABS symbol and brake symbol together. It can indicate two primary issues:
- Parking Brake Engaged: The most common reason is that the parking brake (emergency brake) is engaged.
- Brake System Problem: It can also signal a more serious issue within the braking system itself, such as low brake fluid level or problems with the hydraulic system.
Recommended Action:
- Check Parking Brake: First, safely stop your vehicle and ensure the parking brake is fully released. Try engaging and releasing the parking brake again while in “Park.” If the light turns off, the parking brake was the cause.
- Persistent Light: If the brake warning light remains on even after releasing the parking brake, it indicates a potential problem with your braking system. This is a serious safety concern. Have your vehicle towed to a qualified repair shop for inspection and repair. Do not drive with a persistent brake warning light, as it could indicate reduced braking performance.
17. Lane Departure Warning System Light
What it signifies: This symbol, often showing lane markings and a car drifting out of a lane, indicates that your vehicle’s Lane Departure Warning System is active. This system is designed to alert you if the car begins to drift out of its lane unintentionally, helping to prevent lane departure accidents.
Recommended Action: If this light illuminates, it means the system has detected lane drifting. Correct your steering as needed to stay within your lane. The system may also activate when you intentionally change lanes without using your turn signal.
18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
What it signifies: This symbol, sometimes resembling a thermometer in a gear or a gear with an exclamation point, indicates that your vehicle’s transmission is overheating. Transmission overheating can be caused by low transmission fluid, worn transmission components, heavy towing, or other factors stressing the transmission.
Recommended Action: Transmission overheating can lead to serious and expensive damage to the transmission. Safely pull over as soon as possible and turn off the engine to allow the transmission to cool down. Wait for a significant period before attempting to drive again. If the light persists or reappears quickly, it’s best to have your vehicle towed to a repair shop for diagnosis and repair. Driving with an overheating transmission can cause severe damage.
Car Trouble? We Can Help.
Dashboard symbols are your car’s way of communicating important information. Understanding these car symbols is essential for responsible vehicle ownership and safety. If you experience any warning lights or car trouble, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
At Virginia Tire & Auto, our expert technicians are ready to diagnose and repair any automotive issue, from routine maintenance like oil changes to complex repairs. Schedule your visit at one of our convenient locations today and let us help you get back on the road with confidence!
