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Car Safety
What do my car dashboard warning lights mean?
Learn what common car dashboard warning lights mean and which ones require urgent attention.
Car dashboard symbols provide information on systems ranging from engine performance to tyre pressure and airbag readiness.
These symbols often light up briefly when you start your engine, which is a sign the system checks are working. But what if a light stays on or flashes while driving? What does it mean? How bad is it? Should you pull over and try to fix the issue yourself, or take your car straight to the mechanic?
While some lights are simply reminders, others can indicate serious mechanical or safety issues that require immediate action. Understanding what your car's dashboard lights mean can help you stay safer on the road, prevent expensive repairs and reduce the risk of breakdowns.
Read on to learn about the 14 most common and important dashboard lights, what they mean, and what to do when they appear.
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Are dashboard lights the same across all vehicles?
Dashboard lights can vary between manufacturers and even between models from the same manufacturer. However, many of the most common and most important symbols are the same or very similar across most vehicles.
Refer to your owner's manual for further information on your car's dashboard lights. If you bought your car secondhand without the manual, most vehicle manuals can now be found online through the manufacturer’s website.
If you're unsure or concerned about a dashboard light that your car is displaying, contact RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance. RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance patrols carry scanning tools that are able to run an on-site diagnostic test to assist with identifying the issue and advise on your next steps for maintenance and/or towing needs.
What about electric vehicles (EVs)?
Electric vehicles (EVs) use many of the same dashboard warning lights as petrol and diesel cars, including indicators for tyre pressure, brakes, airbags and stability control. However, they also have several warning lights unique to their electric drivetrain and high-voltage battery system.
Most EV warning lights appear in the digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, while some vehicles also display more detailed alerts and instructions on the central infotainment screen. Unlike traditional cars, many EVs provide plain-language messages explaining the issue, making it easier to understand what action to take.
These are some of the most common EV-specific warning lights.
- High-voltage battery warning - usually shown as a battery symbol with an exclamation mark, this indicates a fault with the main traction battery or its management system. If the warning remains on, have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
- Charging system warning - this light may indicate a problem with the charging port, onboard charger or charging cable. Check that all connections are secure and try a different charging station if possible. If the warning persists, arrange for servicing.
- Electric drive system warning - often represented by a vehicle with an exclamation mark or a motor icon, this signals a fault with the electric motor, inverter or power electronics. Performance may be reduced, so drive cautiously and seek professional assistance promptly.
- Reduced power or turtle mode - a turtle icon indicates the vehicle has limited power to protect the battery or drivetrain. This can happen if the battery charge is very low or if the system is overheating. Reduce speed where safe and recharge the vehicle or allow it to cool.
As with any warning light, consult your owner's manual for the specific meaning of the symbol, as icons can vary between manufacturers. If a red EV warning light appears, or you notice unusual noises, smells or a sudden loss of performance, pull over safely when possible and arrange roadside assistance or have the vehicle inspected before continuing your journey.
What does the colour of the dashboard light mean?
Dashboard symbols appear in a range of colours, the significance of which can vary between vehicles. As a general rule:
- Red or flashing warning lights - usually indicate urgent or serious issues.
- Amber or orange lights - typically mean a fault needs checking soon.
- Green or blue lights - usually show a system is operating normally.
Ignoring warning lights can sometimes lead to further damage, unsafe driving conditions or costly repairs.
14 common dashboard warning lights explained
1. Low fuel
Most drivers understand this one. A symbol of a petrol bowser on your dash means you're running low on fuel.
The fuel light tends to come on when you have between 10 and 15 per cent of your fuel reserve remaining, but just how far this gets you can vary greatly between makes, models and even the exact same car (due to driving and environmental factors).
Running out of fuel is not only inconvenient but it can cause damage to components within the fuel delivery system including the fuel pump.
What to do
Head to a service station as soon as the light comes on and refuel your car.
The triangular arrow next to the fuel light indicates which side of the car the fuel tank is on, which is handy if you're not driving your regular vehicle.
2. Check engine light
The check engine light is one of the most common dashboard warnings. It usually looks like the outline of an engine.
This light can indicate a wide range of issues, including:
- engine misfires
- faulty sensors
- fuel system problems
- emissions issues
- a loose or damaged fuel cap.
If the light stays on steadily, the car may still be drivable, but it should be checked as soon as possible. If the light flashes, it could indicate a serious engine problem requiring immediate attention.
What to do
If the check engine light turns on while driving, don't panic. If there are no other issues with your car, simply complete your drive and book in for a service as soon as possible.
If the check engine light turns on in conjunction with other issues, such as strange noises, loss of power, smoke, or another warning light, pull over when safe to do so and call for roadside assistance.
With a check engine light, it can be tempting to get an OBD reader to scan the car for a fault code. It's always best to consult a professional for this work, as a fault code is merely a starting point towards a range of potential issues that will need further diagnosis.
3. Wiper fluid empty
If you run out of windscreen wiper fluid, this symbol might pop up on your dash.
While it might not seem as scary as a check engine light, dirty windscreens can reduce visibility when driving.
What to do
Refill your wiper fluid at your next convenience.
These symbols relate to the car's fuel level, engine performance and wiper fluid level.
4. Battery warning light
The battery warning light usually appears as a battery icon.
Despite the name, this light can point to issues with the vehicle's charging system rather than the battery itself. Common causes include:
- failing alternator
- damaged battery
- loose wiring
- broken drive belt.
If this light appears, your vehicle may continue running temporarily, but the battery could eventually lose power and stop the car from restarting.
What to do
Get your battery system checked immediately.
If your car fails to start, call for roadside assistance. RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance drivers can provide battery health checks and, in many cases, provide a new battery on the spot, if required. The patrol can also advise if something more serious needs to be investigated.
5. Brake warning light
The brake warning light may appear as an exclamation mark inside a circle or the word 'BRAKE'.
This light can indicate:
- engaged handbrake
- low brake fluid
- worn brake pads
- a braking system fault.
Reduced braking performance can make driving unsafe.
What to do
Check to see if you're driving with the handbrake engaged; disengage it if so.
If the light remains on after releasing the handbrake, have the braking system checked immediately - even if your brakes seem to be working fine.
More: What to do if your brakes fail
6. Engine temperature warning light
A dashboard light resembling a thermometer indicates your engine is too hot or too cold. Most new cars use a blue thermometer symbol to indicate the engine is too cold, and a red thermometer symbol to indicate it's too hot.
Common causes include:
- low coolant levels
- cooling system leaks
- a faulty radiator
- a failed water pump.
What to do
During cold weather, it's not uncommon for this light to switch on when the car is first started, especially if parked outside.
If the light remains on, or if the engine overheats, pull over safely and turn the engine off. Continuing to drive could cause severe engine damage.
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot.
These symbols relate to the car's battery, brake light and engine temperature.
7. Oil pressure warning light
Usually shown as an oil can symbol, this light warns of low engine oil pressure.
Low oil pressure can quickly damage your engine if ignored. Possible causes include:
- low engine oil levels
- oil leaks
- a faulty oil pump
- a blocked oil filter.
What to do
If this light comes on while driving, pull over safely and switch off the engine as soon as possible. Check the oil level only once the engine has cooled.
8. Diesel particulate filter (DPF) warning light
Found in many diesel vehicles, the DPF warning light indicates the diesel particulate filter may be blocked. This can happen if the vehicle is mainly driven on short trips where the filter cannot properly regenerate.
Driving with the light on for too long can lead to engine damage and potential DPF failure.
What to do
Following the manufacturer's instructions may help clear the filter blockage, but persistent warnings may require professional servicing.
If you also have a check engine light on, then there may be another fault stopping the DPF from regenerating. Ensure the original fault is diagnosed and repaired.
9. Catalytic Converter Light
Your petrol vehicle may have a catalytic converter warning light that is separate to the check engine light.
If this light illuminates, it does not necessarily mean there is an issue with the catalytic converter itself, but there may be an issue somewhere in the fuel or emission control system. This issue needs to be resolved by your trusted mechanic.
What to do
Book a mechanic for a full diagnosis.
These symbols relate to the car's oil pressure, diesel particulate filter, and catalytic converter.
10. Airbag warning light
The airbag warning light often shows a seated passenger with a circle in front of them.
If this light stays on, there may be a fault with the airbag or seatbelt pretensioner system. In a crash, airbags may not deploy correctly.
Australia's Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) estimates that front and side air bags have reduced light vehicle fatalities by a combined 17 per cent since their introduction - which is why it's so important to keep your airbags in working order.
What to do
Usually there's no need to be concerned if the symbol turns on when you start your car, as long as it disappears shortly afterwards.
But if the symbol stays on, or if it switches on while driving, you should arrange to have your airbags checked as soon as possible.
If the driver's airbag light comes on and the steering wheel controls stop working, it's likely your clock spring will need to be replaced without delay, as your driver's airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident.
11. Seatbelt warning
A symbol of a person wearing a seatbelt on your dashboard generally means you or a passenger does not have their seatbelt done up correctly. Many modern cars will also start beeping if you start driving when a person in the vehicle is not wearing a seatbelt
Keep in mind that children should travel in an appropriate child car seat or booster seat for as long as possible, and at least until they can pass the five-step test, which determines if a child is ready to wear a seatbelt.
What to do
Make sure all passengers are wearing their seat belts correctly. Occasionally some seatbelt lights can be triggered by a heavy object in a passenger seat
If the light stays on despite all seatbelts being done up, book your car in for a service at the earliest opportunity.
12. Door open
Another better-known dashboard symbol is the door open symbol, typically a birds-eye illustration of a car with its doors open. The symbol tells you that one of your car's doors (or sometimes the boot or bonnet) has not been shut properly, an issue which could become hazardous while driving.
While older cars left you to troubleshoot which door wasn't closed properly, some modern vehicles indicate the exact door on the dashboard.
If your car has child locks, switching them on can also help prevent young passengers from opening the rear doors.
What to do
Pull over to a safe location and make sure all your doors and boot are closed properly.
These symbols relate to the car's airbag, seatbelts and doors.
13. Tyre pressure warning light
This light typically looks like a flat tyre with an exclamation mark.
Drivers can often tell if they get a sudden flat tyre while driving, but a slow leak might be harder to detect. That's where your car's tyre pressure light comes in handy.
Driving with incorrect tyre pressure can:
- increase fuel consumption
- reduce tyre life
- affect handling and braking
- increase the risk of tyre failure.
Many, but not all, new cars sold in Australia have this feature. Even if your vehicle has it, it should not replace manual tyre checks.
What to do
Pull over to a safe location to inspect your tyres. If you detect damage, call your roadside assistance provider - or replace your tyre yourself.
If the tyres seem otherwise satisfactory, head to a service station to try inflating your tyres to the correct PSI.
If the light remains on, take your car to a mechanic or tyre centre.
More: How to buy the best tyres for your car
14. Radar System Warning
If your car is fitted with radars and/or cameras as part of the driver assistance systems, you may see a warning light illuminate if the system malfunctions.
Be aware that collision avoidance systems and adaptive cruise systems may not function while the warning is illuminated.
What to do
Check for any obvious damage or obstructions, and clean the windscreen and radar locations.
If the warning remains, consult a mechanic or body repairer.
These symbols relate to tyre pressure, and obstacle-detection and collison-avoidance sensors.
Most dashboard lights briefly illuminate during startup as part of the vehicle's self-check system. They should switch off after a few seconds.
Red dashboard lights usually indicate the most urgent problems and may require you to stop driving immediately.
Some lights may turn off automatically once the issue is resolved, while others require diagnostic tools or servicing to reset.
It depends on the warning light. In general:
- red or flashing lights often mean you should stop driving immediately.
- amber lights usually allow limited driving but should be checked promptly.
- green and blue lights generally mean systems are normal.
Continuing to drive with serious warning lights can increase repair costs and compromise vehicle safety.
Not usually. While amber lights are often less urgent than red warnings, ignoring them can sometimes lead to larger mechanical problems or safety risks over time.
If a dashboard warning light comes on, check whether the light is red, amber or flashing. If it is, pull over when safe to do so and refer to your vehicle owner's manual. Arrange professional assistance if the issue could affect safety or damage the vehicle.
Some warnings may require immediate roadside assistance, while others simply mean servicing is needed soon.
If none of your car dashboard lights are working, then it's likely a larger electrical fault. Book a mechanic to have the issue resolved.
