Your car is an amalgamation of a thousand working parts. Understanding how it all works isn’t easy – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a shot. Knowing the various car controls and lights definitely helps with car maintenance and problem diagnosis.

 With that in mind, take a gander at the warning lights keeping you updated about the state of your car.

Car dashboard and dials

In the yellow: general warnings and maintenance alerts

While all of the emergency lights on your dashboard are important, some let you know about general maintenance. These include:

  • Adaptive suspension dampers – If your car has dampeners on its suspension system, they’ll impact the nature of your ride. Your dashboard will light up when they’re not able to do their job as well as they used to.
  • Air suspension – Alternatively, your car may have air suspension to keep your ride smooth. You’ll typically find these systems in posher cars, as they let you have more control over your drive. When this light comes on, there may be a glitch disrupting the suspension that you’ll need to check out.
  • ABS – Your anti-lock brakes protect you when the weather takes a turn. If this light comes on, you’ll need to head to a garage to preserve your long-term safety.
  • AWD and 4WD – If you have four-wheel drive, and you opt to switch over, this light will come on so you’re always aware of how your car is operating.
  • Brake pad monitoring – Your brake pads will last a long time, but they won’t last forever. This light will come on when it’s time to get them serviced. Wait any longer, though, and you’ll start to hear a grinding noise, which could lead to additional damage.
  • Broken bulb – If one of your headlights or taillights goes out, this light will come on so you can have it replaced.
  • Child safety lock – Driving with children can be stressful, which is why the child safety lock comes in handy. This light will let you know when your child safety lock is on, so you’ll know when the back doors can be opened and when they can’t be.
  • Convertible roof – If you have a convertible, this dashboard light will come on when you open your roof. This way, you won’t forget to close it if you park outside.

Car dashboard icons

  • Cruise control – This light lets you know when you’re cruising and when you’ll need to manually control your speed.
  • DPF – If you have a diesel particulate filter attached to your car, this light will let you know when it needs to be cleaned out.
  • ETC – The car’s throttle control is to ensure you are getting the adequate amount of power from your engine. If it fails, you are likely to run into problems in your daily drive. When there’s any failure, the electronic throttle control light comes on in your dash.
  • Engine management light – Similarly, if you’re engine’s at risk, this light will let you know. There won’t be an immediate effect, but you’ll still need to get to a garage ASAP
  • Low fuel – Naturally, your car can’t run without fuel. When your fuel light comes on, you have between five and twenty miles before your car runs out of petrol.
  • Rear fog lights – If it’s foggy out there, you’ll need to have your rear fog lights on. This light lets you know when you may have forgotten them.
  • Rear windscreen heater – This light tells you when your rear windscreen heater is on. Most of the time, this will make it easier for you to see, but you don’t want it on all the time.
  • Tyre pressure monitor – One of the last things you want to deal with is an unexpected flat tyre. This light lets you know when your tyre pressure is starting to go and when you’ll need to reach out for help.

Airbag warning light

You may not have all of these lights on your dashboard, as some only apply to unique circumstances or exist in newer cars. However, it’s worth it to keep an eye out for glowing amber lights – they’ll be your clearest sign that something in your car needs maintenance.

In the red: noting immediate concerns

Comparatively, some warning lights – those that light up in red – demand your immediate attention. These will include:

  • Airbag warning light – If your airbags are malfunctioning, then you’re not going to be safe if you happen to get into an accident. This light means you need to get to a garage, and quickly.
  • Brake system light – If this light comes on, check your handbrake; you may have left it on by accident. If you haven’t, then your brake fluid may not be reaching your brakes, and you’ll need to get them checked.
  • Engine cooling system – Similarly, this light lets you know when your car coolant is blocked or otherwise not circulating around your car. Coolant keeps your engine from overheating, so take this warning seriously.

Warning lights in the dashboard of a car

  • Engine oil pressure – If you haven’t had your oil changed in a while, then this light will remind you that you need a refill. Alternatively, your oil pressure may be low or draining quickly, which means you’ll need to get to a garage if you want your car to continue running.
  • Power steering system – Your steering wheel is guided by an electrical system, and without that system, it’s much harder to turn. If this light comes on, then you’ll need to have your steering wheel and power assistance looked at.
  • Battery light – If your battery light is on, then it may have drained overnight or failed. You can’t drive on a flat battery, so reach out to your local tow company and head to your favourite professional so you can get back on the road.

 It takes time to learn the ins and outs of your dashboard warning lights. Once you have the basics under your belt though, you’ll be able to better maintain your car.