15 Car warning signs you should not ignore

Chevrolet-Trailblazer-dashboard-e1534110590741

As a responsible driver, it is imperative to know the different car warning signs that are on your dashboard. Knowing the meaning of these symbols could warn you of your current driving situation and help you decide what necessary action to take.

There are over 150 car warning signs that exist to date. Although your car may not have all of them, we have listed some of the most common symbols to educate our readers about their purpose and what to do when they light up.

The first rule is to never panic if one or multiple lights or indicators turn on. Generally, your car will still be running fine, but there may be some minor issues that you may need to address, either through a mechanical repair or a quick fix. So here goes our selection explaining what these lights on the dashboard actually mean for you. 

Color scheme of warning signs

Witness lights on board table symbols signs explanations

Different colors mean different things and in most cases require different levels of attention. A green or blue-lit symbol is simply informational and tells you how or what system is operating. A yellow or orange symbol means that there are some parts that need to be repaired soon at a service center. And the most cautionary of all- the red symbol, which tells you that there is a serious safety issue or problem that must be addressed immediately. Below are some of the car warning signs you should not ignore as a driver. Memorize these car warning signs so that you can benefit from it the next time you get into your car.

Green/Blue lights

Turn Signals

gofar

Perhaps the most popular symbol in the instrument panel, turn signals tells other road users your intention to change direction.ECO button

 

ECO button

gofar

This indicates that the car is in economy operation and is running on improved fuel mileage. Some related symbols include Comfort and Sport, which also pertains to your preset driving preference.

Yellow or orange lights

All-wheel drive on

gofar

This symbol tells you that your car is now running on four-wheel drive. When this is illuminated, torque is equally distributed on all wheels. It can also turn amber in color, telling you that the 4WD system may be experiencing some problems.

 

ABS, ESP, BAS light

gofar

Malfunctions in your car’s driving security features could pose an imminent danger. In the case of ABS, it usually illuminates briefly when the engine is started, but turns off automatically.

Bulb failure

gofarWhen this light is on, one or more of your vehicle’s bulbs are either broken or are experiencing some electrical problems. The more serious threat is losing road visibility when driving at night. Consult guidance from a car mechanic at once.

Child safety lock

gofar

If you are accompanied by children, remember to always check this light. When this is on, it tells you that the feature is active. Just remember to switch it off when no longer required.

Glow plug warning

gofar

Usually found on diesel-powered vehicles, this sign tells the driver that he should not start the vehicle until the light has been extinguished. It is also part of the engine management which detects faults in the car’s powertrain.

Engine oil or oil pressure sensor

gofar

Although it is often a yellow symbol, this button indicates that an immediate fix is needed. It has the oil lamp symbol with “MIN” word which means you have to either re-fill the car’s oil or have it checked by a professional.

Red Lights

Low fuel notification

gofar

This button will light up when your car has reached a low fuel reserve. Better refuel soon or your vehicle may die should the fuel meter hit empty.

Seat Belt Reminder

gofar

One of the most ignored car practices is putting on a seat belt. When this symbol lights up on your instrument panel it means that you are not wearing your seat belt and the button will not switch off until you put it on.

Temperature warning light

gofar

This warns the driver that the vehicle’s engine may overheat because of a prolonged drive. It is advisable to stop the vehicle and let the radiator cool.

Hazard warning light

gofar

This is usually put on by the driver to warn other vehicles on the road that the car has problems and should as much as possible be avoided. Some drivers, however, abuse this indicator by using it to either park or overtake without valid reason.

Battery warning

gofar

This means that your battery’s power is running low and should it die, it could affect your vehicle’s driving performance. Better look for a power source replacement.

Front airbag

gofar

When this is on, it means that you or someone has turned off the driver airbag manually. As such, it will not deploy if there is a collision.

Brake system alert

gofar

This symbol means that your brake fluid is almost depleted. If you have recently had your brake fluid changed, it may mean that there are leaks or low brake linings that have caused this problem.

Did we miss out on any important indicator light? Let us know what else to include on this list in the comments section.

Updated by Wilbert Tan on July 24, 2020

Also read

5 Safety Tips for Driving Near and Around Trucks

5 Defensive Driving Tips All Road Users Should Use

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • BAIC PH previews 5-car lineup prior to public launch
    BAIC PH previews 5-car lineup prior to public launch
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Bentley, PUBG Mobile team up to bring 'opulence to battleground'
    Bentley, PUBG Mobile team up to bring 'opulence to battleground'
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • ‘Mixed’ pump price adjustments set for tomorrow
    ‘Mixed’ pump price adjustments set for tomorrow
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 18, 2024
  • BDO-issued AmEx cardholders entitled to exclusive travel essential discounts
    BDO-issued AmEx cardholders entitled to exclusive travel essential discounts
    Paulo Papa . Mar 18, 2024
  • Mazda PH to distribute Autoexe parts, accessories
    Mazda PH to distribute Autoexe parts, accessories
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 18, 2024
  • Cabin check: What’s inside the BYD Atto 3
    Cabin check: What’s inside the BYD Atto 3
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • Midsize SUV battle: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Ford Everest
    Midsize SUV battle: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Ford Everest
    Paulo Papa . Mar 14, 2024
  • Hyundai Santa Fe: 6 seductive colors
    Hyundai Santa Fe: 6 seductive colors
    Paulo Papa . Mar 12, 2024
  • Hyundai Santa Fe vs. the competition
    Hyundai Santa Fe vs. the competition
    Paulo Papa . Mar 12, 2024
  • Luxury mover matchup: GAC M8 vs. Toyota Alphard
    Luxury mover matchup: GAC M8 vs. Toyota Alphard
    Paulo Papa . Feb 27, 2024
  • Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Mar 08, 2024
  • Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Paulo Papa . Jan 03, 2024
  • PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    Paulo Papa . Dec 15, 2023
  • Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Hazel Nicole Carreon . Dec 15, 2023
  • Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Paulo Papa . Nov 14, 2023
  • BYD Atto 3: from the metro to the mountains
    BYD Atto 3: from the metro to the mountains
    Paulo Papa . Mar 18, 2024
  • Late bloomer: Hyundai Stargazer GLS Premium
    Late bloomer: Hyundai Stargazer GLS Premium
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 08, 2024
  • Adventure-ready: Subaru Crosstrek
    Adventure-ready: Subaru Crosstrek
    Paulo Papa . Mar 01, 2024
  • More doors, more fun: Suzuki Jimny 5-door
    More doors, more fun: Suzuki Jimny 5-door
    Paulo Papa . Feb 27, 2024
  • Refined ride: Volkswagen Tharu SEL
    Refined ride: Volkswagen Tharu SEL
    Paulo Papa . Feb 27, 2024