MOTORISTS all over will be able to relate to the horrible feeling you get when a warning light pops up on the dashboard.
Some of the symbols you see in the car are pretty straightforward, while others continue to confuse many.
What do each of the symbols on my car’s dashboard mean?
First of all, not every symbol that appears on the dashboard of a car is a warning light.
Some symbols indicate vehicle features, mechanical issues and safety features.
So how do you know when your car is trying to warn you?
The important thing to know is that the colours of the symbols matter.
Green or blue lights let you know that everything is working as it should.
Orange or yellow lights are letting you know that your vehicle needs to be repaired or serviced soon.
But, if a red light appears – this usually means that you should take action immediately.
A study by HPI found that 59 per cent of drivers struggle to recognise what all the warning lights on their dash indicate.
Worryingly, 96 per cent couldn’t recognise a common brake issue light, potentially putting them in danger.
With self-driving cars becoming a reality and in-car technology growing, keeping your vehicle in good condition is even more important.
Most of the time if a symbol suddenly flashes up on your dashboard, it is a good idea to check it out.
It’s important to have a good understanding of what your car is trying to say and what you can do about it – so here’s everything you need to know and what each warning symbol indicates.
But remember – not every car will have the same symbols, they will vary from vehicle to vehicle.
Here is a list of some of the symbols you may see in your car.
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. Side lights on
7. Problems with headlight / tail-lights / signal 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 variable rear spoiler
21. Problems in triggering the electric roof
22. The front airbag is switched off
23. The 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 with light sensor or rain sensor
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 – 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 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 boot
60. Low oil pressure
61. The automatic windscreen wiper
62. Engine problems or hazards
63. Rain sensor
64. Rear window defroster
