20+ Car Dashboard Symbols And Meanings

What It Means: Your fog lights are on.

Fog can seriously affect a driver’s visibility. The standard rule for using this light is that it should only be switched on during a foggy day when the visibility drops below 100 meters or 328 feet.

You might be ineligible for insurance payment if you get into an accident because you forgot to turn your lights on during a fog. Also, do not turn them on unnecessarily because the lights can affect other driver’s ability to see.

What it means: Pressure in one or more of your tires is too low and needs attention.

Driving with low tire pressure can cause tire-related motor vehicle crashes in severe cases. Not having enough pressure leads to low fuel efficiency and compromises vehicle handling. It can be difficult to brake, corner, and steer the car, which could be incredibly dangerous. 

Prolonged neglect can cause tire blowouts and make the driver lose control of the vehicle, which leads to accidents. So the next time you see this light, stop immediately and take it to the nearest workshop.

What it means: Your vehicle’s engine is overheating.

You might be in a rush to go somewhere and be tempted to ignore this light, but this is one signal that requires immediate attention. An issue with the cooling system usually causes an overheated engine. It can result in irreparable damage and total failure, eventually.

If you see this warning light, pull over at a safe place and turn off the engine for at least 20 minutes. Afterward, call for emergency road assistance or drive to the nearest service center.

What it means: You are losing oil pressure or running low on engine oil.

We hardly talk about the oil pressure warning light, yet it plays a crucial role in car maintenance. This light comes on when your car is running out of engine oil and pressure in your oil pump. An oil leak or clogged oil filter from a lack of oil changes can cause these issues. Driving, even with these issues, can cause severe engine damage.

What it means: There are problems with the engine. 

A light that stays on indicates minor issues like a loose gas cap. Meanwhile, a blinking or flashing light indicates a serious problem requiring immediate attention, like a faulty catalytic converter.

If you ignore the blinking light, it could cause additional problems, which can be expensive. If the engine light stays on, tighten the gas cap before rushing to the mechanic. Also, ensure the light is off after you have done this because if it stays on, you might need help.

What it means: Your vehicle’s traction control system is working.

The traction control system is essential when driving in rain or snow. Snow and rain can cause the tires to lose contact with the road and increase the risk of skidding or hydroplaning.

To avoid this, the traction control system shifts the power to the tires gripping the road, from the tires that are slipping. This transfer of power allows safe driving. However, if this light comes on while driving in good condition, there are problems with the system.

What it means: The airbag system is faulty, meaning your airbag will not deploy if you are in an accident.

If you have been in an accident and used the airbags, it needs replacement, and the airbag system needs resetting. However, if you have not been in an accident and the airbag indicator is switched on, there are problems with your airbag system.

Ignoring it might be tempting, thinking there is little to no possibility of you getting into an accident, but be warned that not having airbags could kill you. Better to be safe than sorry.

What it means: There are problems with your battery or charging system.

Battery problems arise when it is worn out and damaged and needs replacement. Meanwhile, a faulty charging system could mean a loose battery cable, a bad alternator, or an electrical fault.

All of these problems mean your car is not getting enough current from the battery to operate, and if you ignore this, your car could buck and jerk or you might find yourself stranded on the road.

What it means: Your car is running out of fuel.

When the fuel level falls to low levels, the light warns you that your vehicle might plod to a halt if you do not refuel it. Sometimes, the light comes on during a journey. And the first thing you wonder is how long the fuel will last till you reach a gas station.

Different cars have different capacities, but generally, you can cover 49 miles. However, do not drive till you run out of fuel because it could damage your car.

What it means: There is water in the fuel filter.

Another warning related to the fuel in our car is the water in the fuel filter. This warning is pretty obvious. When there is excess water in the fuel filter, it can damage the engine and fuel system severely. If you see this warning sign, DO NOT START THE ENGINE until the water has been drained out. 

What it means: Your car is low on windshield washer fluid.

A windshield washer fluid indicator is not as critical as other warning lights, but it is still incredibly important. Cars need washer fluid to clean our windshields. A dirty or smeared windshield can affect our visibility. 

In worse cases, muddy lanes or snowy paths can cause debris and grime to adhere to the windshield, and the absence of washer fluid could compromise visibility and safety. You can fill up the liquid yourself and avoid the hassle of visiting a service center. 

What it means: Your brake pad is too thin.

We all know how important brakes are, and we should never ignore problems with brake pads. If your brakes squeal when you stop, there are no problems with the brake pad. But if it squeals while driving and quiets down once you step on the brake pedal, there are problems with the brake pads.

A thin brake pad can cause difficulty in braking and, in serious cases, cause collision. It is safe to drive with the brake light on for a short period, but you need to get the brakes fixed as soon as possible.

What it means: Your car’s turn signals are activated.

This symbol is probably the most recognizable and least complicated one on the list. The light switches on when you are turning the car. When you turn left or right, the corresponding arrow and the headlight and backlight are working. This light is harmless, and it automatically switches off after you complete your turn.

What It Means: The brakes need to be engaged to start the engine or get the gear out of neutral.

In a manual car, drivers press the clutch to shift the gear. These cars do not have shift lock release. However, in an automatic car, you do not have to shift gears manually and have to engage the shift lock by pressing on the pedal brake, which will then start the engine.

If the light is still on even after the car has started, it means there is a problem with the system, and you need to take it to the nearest mechanic.

What It Means: Your car does not have enough brake fluid.

A brake fluid is essential in the effectiveness of a car's brakes. When there is enough brake fluid, the symbol turns yellow, but it becomes red when your car is running low on brake fluid. You need immediate professional help when this happens.

A red light could also signal a serious issue with the brake's hydraulic system. This could lead to a potentially dangerous and expensive brake failure. 

What It Means: The car’s windshield defroster system is on.

Driving in winter causes condensation on the windshield, which can affect visibility. Therefore, drivers need to remove them by activating the defrosting system. When the system is on, the air inside the car is dehumidified, and to speed up this process, avoid turning on the air recirculation mode.

The defroster will turn itself off after a certain period. Some cars have a separate defrost button for rear windows, which is usually indicated by a rectangular window, unlike the curved window for the windshield. 

What it means: The eco mode helps improve fuel efficiency.

The eco or economical mode reduces the amount of energy your car uses. These buttons are located near the steering wheel and are featured in many modern models of hybrid vehicles.

When the car is in economical mode, the engine reduces its power, causing a reduction in acceleration. This means the car is using less fuel and reducing emissions. You can use the eco mode when you are driving at a slow or leisurely pace.

What it means: You are not driving within your lane.

The lane departure warning is a flashing indicator accompanied by a beeping. This warning light tells if a driver is departing a lane when the turn signal is not on. It works by detecting the lane electronic markers on the road.

In some car models, this system might even steer the car back into the correct lane. This system is an important feature that helps prevent accidents caused by drivers being tired or temporarily distracted.

What it means: If the cruise control light is on, your car is at a set speed.

When you first turn on your cruise control, the light becomes orange, indicating you set your preferred speed. Once it turns green, the car will travel at that speed. This feature allows you to remove your foot from the gas pedal and comforts your tired foot from long driving.

In this mode, your car will consume less fuel. If you have turned off the cruise control, but the orange light does not turn off, it means your indicator is faulty.

What it means: One or more car’s exterior lights are not working and require attention.

Our car has many exterior lights, such as headlights, tail lights, side lights, fog lights, brake lights, etc. When one or more of these lights burn out, the lamp out warning light gets activated.

You need to take care of this problem, especially if you drive at night and before you get a ticket. These lights also affect other drivers' ability to see and understand where you are going.

What it means: You are driving too close to the vehicle in front, or there is a stationary obstacle in front.

Depending on the speed you are driving, you need to maintain a certain distance from the vehicle in front to avoid collision. The general rule is that you need to have a three-second following distance.

This means that when a car in front of you passes a bridge, tree, or marker, you should count to at least three before you cross that same point.

What it means: The engine’s glow plugs are heating up.

The glow plug light is not a warning but an indicator that the glow plugs are working. During winter, the diesel engine requires additional heating before it can start. The light comes on when it is warming up the air in the cylinder. The light turns off after the car’s engine is hot enough. However, if the light is flashing or stays on, it is a warning that there is a malfunction.

What it means: There is a problem with the air suspension system.

Many things can cause problems with the air suspension system, like problems with the compressor, a leak in one of the airbags, and a faulty lever sensor. Whatever the reason, an air suspension problem can affect the car’s handling, stability, and ground clearance.

You should not drive with this light on and seek assistance immediately to avoid further costly and hazardous damage.

What it means: Your engine is not starting because of car key problems.

An immobilizer is an anti-theft system. The lights come on when you are not using the vehicle’s authentic and authorized key. However, if you are using the right key and the light comes on, the key itself might be the problem.

In such cases, you can use a spare key, but if it still does not work, there might be a malfunction with the security system. Be sure to consult a licensed, professional mechanic when this happens.

What it means: Your steering wheel is locked and cannot move.

Like the immobilizer, the steering wheel lock was designed as an anti-theft system. The wheels do not move until you insert the right key. However, sometimes, the steering wheel gets locked while the car is in motion because there is sudden breakage in the steering mechanics, and causes the light to turn red. When this happens, stop the vehicle safely and call for a tow service. 

What it means: Your high beam light is on.

High-beam lights can help you see beyond 500 feet when driving on a dark road at night. This light should only be used if there are no cars within 500 feet because it can temporarily blind any oncoming driver.

If you use high beams unnecessarily, you could end up causing an accident. Sometimes, your high beam light stays switched on because of malfunction. And if your light is flashing, there might be an electrical short. 

What it means: ABS or the antilock braking system system is not functioning.

Our cars are built with ABS to prevent the wheels from locking up when the brakes are pressed too hard. This allows the driver to have better control over the vehicle and reduces the braking distance. It can prevent skidding and fatal accidents. If the ABS lights are on, there might be problems with the tire pressures, ABS fuse, and broken wheel speed sensors.

What it means: Your car is due for service, or there is a problem.

Cars need regular checkups, which can help ensure the vehicle is in good condition. Regular checkups can help prevent accidents, ensure your car runs smoothly, prevent parts from malfunctioning, save you money and inconveniences, and increase your car’s life. 

When you take good care of your car, you will retain its resale value. So do not put off maintenance until you encounter a problem.

What it means: You forgot to put on your seatbelt.

The seat belt indicator turns on when a passenger or driver forgets to put on their seatbelt. A chiming or beeping sound often accompanies the warning light.

You might choose to ignore the warning because your vehicle’s drivability is not compromised, but this can cause serious injury or death in case of an accident. Also, you might get a ticket from the police.