A Guide to Understanding Dashboard Warning Lights

Your dashboard warning lights keep you informed about your vehicle's health. Yet, many drivers tend to overlook these important signals, which can lead to serious issues and costly repairs. Knowing what these lights mean and how to respond can save you time, money and ensure your safety on the road.

What are dashboard warning lights?

Dashboard warning lights are visual alerts on your vehicle's dashboard that notify you of various issues, from simple maintenance reminders to serious mechanical failures. These lights are typically colour-coded: red indicates a major issue that requires immediate attention, yellow signifies a less urgent issue, and green lights show that everything is working as it should or that the system is currently running.

Common dashboard warning lights and what they mean

A surprising 28% of fleet drivers admit to ignoring dashboard warning lights. So, let’s dive into what these lights mean and why they matter.

Check engine light

When the engine management light comes on, you might notice signs like reduced power or the engine stuttering when you press the accelerator. This dashboard warning light  can mean various things, from minor problems like a broken sensor to more serious ones like a fault in your emission control system or catalytic converter. If this light appears, it's best to have your car checked as soon as possible to avoid causing more damage to your engine.

Battery warning light

A battery icon indicates that your vehicle's electrical charging system is malfunctioning. It could be an issue with the battery, the alternator or the wiring. Ignoring this warning could leave you stranded with a vehicle that won't start.

Airbag light

Also known as the supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning light, the airbag warning light indicates a problem with the airbag safety system. When it turns red, it means something in the airbag system isn’t working, whether it’s the airbags themselves, the system that detects the front passenger’s position and weight, or the seat belt pretensioner system that tightens the belt during a crash. If this light comes on, get it checked immediately. A malfunctioning airbag system might not deploy in a crash, or it could even deploy unexpectedly, causing an accident.

Brake system warning light

If the red brake warning light stays on after releasing the parking brake or lights up while driving, it could mean your brake fluid level is low. If you're not familiar with checking brake fluid levels, it's best to get help from a professional. Brakes are essential for your safety, so you need to act immediately when you see this light. Pull over safely, keep your speed low and avoid sudden braking until the problem is fixed.

Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light

This dashboard warning light is typically shown as an exclamation point inside a horseshoe, and it is designed to warn you when your tyres are underinflated and could cause unsafe driving conditions. Make sure your tyre pressure is correct for safe driving and fuel efficiency. You should drive slowly and use extreme caution if you absolutely must drive on a tyre with low pressure.

ABS warning light

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) light suggests an issue with the ABS, which helps prevent the wheels from locking up during braking. While your brakes will still work, the ABS might not function properly, reducing your control during emergency stops.

Coolant temperature warning light

This light warns you when your engine overheats. Pull over safely and let your engine cool down. Check coolant levels once the engine is cool, but get it checked out if the problem continues.

Knowing these dashboard warning lights can help keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. But what if you manage a fleet of vehicles where dashboard warnings are a daily concern?

Managing fleet vehicles and dashboard warnings

For businesses with a fleet of vehicles, maintaining vehicle health makes things run smoothly and creates a safer driving environment. Ignoring dashboard warning lights across multiple vehicles can lead to downtime, increased maintenance costs and safety risks.

Here are some tips for managing dashboard warnings:

Driver training: Make sure all drivers know how to recognise and respond to dashboard warning lights. This training should cover the meaning of different lights and the steps to take when they appear.

Regular maintenance: Stick to a strict maintenance schedule for your fleet vehicles. Regular checks can catch issues before they trigger warning lights, keeping your vehicles in good condition and your drivers safe on the road.

Fleet management software: Use fleet management software to monitor your vehicles’ health. With these systems, you can be notified of potential problems in real time, allowing you to take proactive steps to prevent them from happening.

Professional inspections: Have your fleet vehicles regularly inspected by professional mechanics. This helps detect potential problems early and ensures that any issues are quickly addressed.

Insurance: For businesses managing fleets, motor fleet insurance can be an invaluable asset. Multiple vehicles can be insured under one policy, and it can help cover repair costs and minimise the financial impact of unexpected breakdowns.

Dashboard warning lights are your vehicle’s way of telling you when something’s wrong. Ignoring these warnings can lead to serious mechanical issues and safety hazards. By understanding these signals and responding promptly, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.

Whether you’re managing a single car or a fleet, knowing about dashboard warning lights is key to good vehicle maintenance and safety.