Practically all of us use our cars every day. And you know that a vehicle will let you know that something is not quite right these days. Often, however, it doesn’t show it loudly. You have to listen to know that something is wrong with your car. Do you know all the lights in your vehicle? Do you know what they mean? And when you need to pay attention to them and not continue driving?

Sometimes the lights come on when you close a door the wrong way, but other times your car may use a single light and icon to let you know that the engine needs to be checked. The car is communicating with you and you should definitely not ignore it. Because if you don’t understand what the light means or simply ignore it, you could be in big trouble. Potentially a very dangerous problem.

There are different lights, lots of them, and it’s really easy for most people to ignore them. Indeed, so says Raul Arbelae, vice president of the Institute for Highway Safety’s Vehicle Research Center. People don’t read the owner’s manual. They often don’t know what their car is trying to tell them. But it’s really not advisable to ignore what the car is telling us. Remember that you are moving at very high speeds in it and ignoring it could cost you your life.

━━ ( Source: Tabea Schimpf /  Unsplash+ )

Warning symbols

You will have noticed that the warning lights in your vehicle are different colours. They are green, orange and red. If the red ones come on, there is usually a serious problem. You may be familiar with the light that looks like a thermometer. It’s the engine temperature light, and if it comes on, it means the transmission temperature has exceeded normal limits. Then you need to check the coolant level and fan operation, or coolant leaks.

Many have encountered the battery icon. If it lights up, it means that the battery in the vehicle does not have enough power or is not charging properly. Another red light is the oil light. You are correct in assuming that this is the oil pressure light. If it comes on, it means there is little or no lubrication pressure. So check the oil level and pressure immediately.

The last red light is the exclamation point light. This light belongs to the brakes and will come on the moment you forget to apply the handbrake and try to start the car. If it is still on, it means that there is a loss of hydraulic pressure on one side of the brake system or that the fluid level in the brake cylinder is low.

Safety symbols

These symbols are usually orange, but can sometimes be red. Again, a thermometer may appear. This time it is the transmission temperature gauge. This means that the engine temperature has exceeded normal limits and everything needs to be checked. The orange exclamation mark alerts you to low tyre pressure. If you see the car and the word off on the dashboard, it means the traction control has been deactivated.

Can you see the steering wheel and the key? That’s the steering wheel lock and it says the steering wheel is locked. You need to put the key in the ignition and turn it. Do you see a ball on the dash and the lock is unlocked? Then I guess it’s obvious the tow bar is unlocked. But there may also be a problem with the lighting. If you see the car with the road in orange, then the traction control system has activated. A car with a mounting key indicates that there is a malfunction in some area of the chassis system. You need to take it in for service.

You see a car with a conventional key on it? This light will illuminate if the ignition switch is locked or if the system is malfunctioning. A person strapped in with a pinched wheel next to them indicates an airbag malfunction. A motor with a down arrow means a warning of reduced power. And a light with a person wearing a seatbelt is a sign that someone in the car is not buckled up.

There are many more symbols. Many of them relate to the lighting of the vehicle. The vehicle will let you know with a light what lights you are using and possibly the fact that some lights are broken. There are many controls in modern cars. If you’re not sure what they mean, check your owner’s manual or download a diagnostic app on your phone.