What Do Your Car Warning Lights Mean?

Have you seen a dash light appear and wondered what it meant? It can be a bit of a shock, but don’t worry – we’re here to help you understand what those warning lights mean and what you should do about them.

Here is a guide showing what the most common dash warning lights are and what they mean.

Usually, your dash warning lights are broken down into the following colour categories: red, amber, green, white, and blue.

Red means you need to pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so. Amber is less severe but still indicates a problem that needs attention by a professional. Green, white, and blue warnings are for information only and don’t require action.

Examples Could Be

Red Check Engine Light: Pull over immediately. Consult your handbook and inspect the engine to find any issues. Call for assistance such as AA Roadside if needed.

Amber Tyre Pressure Light: No immediate danger, but check the tyre pressure at the next available service station.

White Outside Temperature Light: Information only. It indicates it is cold outside, so be cautious on the roads.

Engine Pre-Ignition Check

When you turn on your ignition, most of your warning lights will illuminate to ensure the systems are working properly. They should turn off shortly after startup.

Top Tip: Working pre-ignition lights are a requirement for a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) in NZ.

Check Engine Light

This little icon can be one of the most alarming. It could be something minor, like a loose fuel cap, or a sign of a more serious issue, such as a problem with the engine or emissions system. If this light comes on, it’s best to get your car checked by a professional as soon as possible.

Coolant Warning Light

The coolant warning light on your dashboard indicates an issue with your vehicle’s cooling system. This light alerts you that the engine’s coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low.

Electronic Stability Control (EPC)

The ESC light indicates a problem with your car’s stability control system, which helps you stay in control during slippery or unstable driving conditions. This light usually comes on, often flashing, when your car senses you are losing traction.

Headlight Bulb Warning Light

When the light bulb icon appears on your dashboard, it means one of your exterior lights, such as a headlight or brake light, is faulty or burnt out and needs to be checked and replaced.

Seat Belt Warning Light

The seat belt warning light on your dashboard indicates that either the driver or a passenger has not fastened their seat belt. When you start your vehicle and the seat belt warning light comes on, it’s a reminder to buckle up for safety.

Battery Warning Light

If this light appears, it indicates a problem with your car’s charging system. It could mean that your battery is not being charged properly, possibly due to a faulty alternator or a loose connection. Ignoring this light could leave you stranded with a dead battery, so it’s a good idea to get it checked promptly.

Oil Warning Light

This light looks like an old-fashioned oil can. It can be due to low oil levels, a leak, or a faulty oil pump. Stop driving immediately and check your oil level. If it’s low, topping it up might resolve the issue, but if the light stays on, call a mechanic.

Brake Warning Light

This light can indicate a variety of issues, including low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or a problem with the braking system itself. Since brakes are crucial for your safety, don’t ignore this light. Check your brake fluid levels, and if the light remains on, have your brakes inspected by a professional.

Temperature Warning Light

The outside temperature warning light indicates that the outside temperature has dropped to a level where icy conditions might form, usually around 4°C. This light helps you stay aware of potentially slippery conditions on the road.

Tyre Pressure Warning Light

In newer cars, this light indicates that one or more of your tyres are under-inflated, which can affect handling and fuel efficiency. Check your tyre pressure and inflate them to the recommended levels. If the light doesn’t go off, you might have a puncture or a faulty sensor.

Airbag Warning Light

This light means there is a problem with the airbag system, which might prevent airbags from deploying in an accident. Since this is a critical safety feature, get your car checked by a professional as soon as possible.

ABS Warning Light

If the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) light comes on and stays on, there could be an issue with this system, which helps prevent your wheels from locking up during hard braking. While your brakes will still work, the ABS function might not, so it’s important to have this checked.

Fuel Warning Light

This is probably the most familiar light. It simply means you’re running low on fuel. Try to refuel as soon as possible to avoid running out, especially if you’re far from a service station.

What To Do When a Warning Light Comes On

1. Don’t Panic: Not all warning lights indicate immediate danger, but they do need attention.
2. Check Your Owner’s Manual: This will often tell you what the light means and what immediate steps to take.
3. Address the Issue: Some issues can be resolved easily, like adding oil or tightening the fuel cap. For others, you’ll need to visit a mechanic.
4. Regular Maintenance: Regular servicing can help prevent many of these issues from arising in the first place.

To summarise, here is a table to help you out!

Warning Light	Description	What to Do
Check Engine Light	Indicates a potential issue with the engine or emissions system.	Get your car checked by a professional as soon as possible.
Coolant Warning Light	Alerts that the engine’s coolant temperature is too high or coolant level is too low.	Check coolant level and temperature; see a mechanic if needed.
Electronic Stability Control	Indicates a problem with the stability control system.	Have the system checked by a professional.
Headlight Bulb Warning Light	One of your exterior lights, like a headlight or brake light, is faulty or burnt out.	Check and replace the faulty bulb.
Seat Belt Warning Light	Indicates that a seat belt is not fastened.	Buckle up for safety.
Battery Warning Light	Indicates a problem with the car’s charging system.	Get your charging system checked promptly.
Oil Warning Light	Indicates low oil levels, a leak, or a faulty oil pump.	Stop driving, check oil level, and call a mechanic if needed.
Brake Warning Light	Indicates issues like low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or a problem with the braking system.	Check brake fluid levels; see a professional if the light remains on.
Temperature Warning Light	Indicates that outside temperature is low and icy conditions might form.	Be cautious of potentially slippery conditions on the road.
Tyre Pressure Warning Light	Indicates that one or more tyres are under-inflated.	Check and inflate tyres to recommended levels; check for punctures.
Airbag Warning Light	Indicates a problem with the airbag system.	Get your car checked by a professional as soon as possible.
ABS Warning Light	Indicates a problem with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).	Have the ABS checked by a professional.
Fuel Warning Light	Indicates that you are running low on fuel.	Refuel as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Understanding your car’s warning lights can save you time, money, and stress. By knowing what these lights mean and taking appropriate action, you can keep your car running smoothly for your next road trip!

Safe driving!