Understanding All the Symbols on Your Car’s Dashboard and meanings, Neglecting Them Puts You In Danger

Cars have a range of dashboard warning lights, such as the oil pressure warning light or engine management light, which are designed to alert you if one of a variety of systems isn’t quite right.

In this blog post, we’ll go over the top 64 most common car symbols and their meanings so that you’ll be better informed the next time a warning light pops up on your dashboard. By being aware of these lights, you can avoid costly repairs down the road.

Below are what each of the symbols on the car’s dashboard means, and it is important to respond to the faults when the symbol flashes up.

1. Indicator to push the clutch

2. Indicator to push the brake pedal

3. Locked steering-wheel

4. Full beam turned on

5. Low tyre pressure

6. Sidelights on

7. Problems with headlight / tail-lights / signals bulbs

8. Problems with brake lights

9. Winter mode

10. Info indicator

11. The diesel auxiliary heater

12. Ice warning

13. Starting system problems

14. The key is not in the car

15. Key low battery

16. Warning distance to another car

17. Service warning light

18. Adaptive headlights turned on

19. Headlight angle adjustment

20. Problems with a variable rear spoiler

21. Problems in triggering the electric roof

22. Front airbag is switched off

23. Handbrake is on

24. Front fog lights turned on

25. Power steering system problems

26. Rear fog lights switched on

27. Low level of windscreen fluid

28. Worn brake pads

29. Cruise control is activated

30. Signal indicators

31. Trouble on light sensor or rain sensor

32. Water in the fuel filter

32. Water in the fuel filter

33. Airbag switched off

34. Mechanical problem or electrical error

35. Dipped headlights turned on

36. Dirty air filter requires replacement

37. Parking sensors turned on

38. Problems with the diesel particulate filter (DPF)

39. Error – a disconnection of the plug from the trailer

40. Air suspension problems

41. Warning for leaving your lane with lane assist system active

42. Problems with catalytic converter

43. Seatbelt warning

44. Warning parking light

45. Alternator or battery problems

46. ECO mode turned on

47. Downhill assist on

48. Cooling system problems

49. Problem with ABS

50. Problems with fuel filter

51. Open door

52. Open the bonnet

53. Fuel tank on reserve, need to fill the tank

54. Automatic gearbox problems

55. Speed limiter is active

56. Suspension problems

57. Front window defroster

58. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is off

59. Open the boot

60. Low oil pressure

61. The automatic windscreen wiper

62. Engine problems or hazards

63. Rain sensor

64. Rear window defroster

Types of Car Dashboard Symbols

Not every symbol that appears on your dashboard is a warning light. Some have to do with vehicle features (like lights and cruise control) or safety (like blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warnings) or mechanical issues (like low tire pressure and engine temperature warnings).

When it comes to dashboard lights, colours matter! Green or blue lights simply let you know that a system is on or operating. Orange/yellow warning lights generally signify that your vehicle needs to be serviced or repaired soon. These warnings are less urgent than if you have a red and/or flashing light.

A red light means that you should take action immediately! Some red dashboard lights are safety warnings (like a seat belt reminder) and others are mechanical (like the engine overheating). If a red mechanical light appears, pull over as soon as possible and figure out what’s going on. Your vehicle will likely stop working or become damaged if you continue to drive.