Decode the dashboard: what your car’s warning lights are telling you

Last updated on 12th December, 2024 at 01:55 pm

“Dashboard lights are your car’s way of telling you what’s wrong,” explains Baden Wilson, owner of Table View Motors. “Ignoring them can lead to expensive fixes, and even risk your safety.” Here’s what you need to know about the most common dashboard lights, what they mean, and how you should respond.

Reading time: 3 minutes

In this article, you’ll learn:

• The meaning behind 7 common dashboard warning lights.
• How urgent each light is and when to get help.
• How to stay safe on the road while responding to warning lights.

The engine light

Urgency level: Medium to high. Schedule a service soon, but if flashing, stop immediately.

What it means:

This light signals an issue with the engine, possibly a misfire or sensor malfunction. “An engine light can mean a simple fix or a more serious problem,” says Wilson. Continuing to drive may only make the issue worse, so it’s best to have your car assessed soon.

For Sanlam Reality members managing unexpected repair costs, the Financial Planner benefit can help allocate funds to cover both maintenance and emergencies, especially when budgets are tight.

The coolant temperature light

Urgency level: High. Pull over immediately and allow the engine to cool.

What it means:

The engine is overheating, which can cause severe damage. This could be due to low coolant, a leak, or a faulty fan. Pull over safely in a secure location and check the coolant levels, or call for assistance if the issue continues.

The battery light

Urgency level: Moderate. Book a battery assessment as soon as possible.

What It Means:

This warning suggests a charging system issue, often linked to the alternator. “A faulty or weak battery might leave you stranded,” Wilson warns. “It’s usually safe to drive for a short time, but have the system checked soon.”

The oil pressure light

Urgency level: Very high. Pull over and turn off the engine immediately.

What it means:

Low oil pressure can seriously damage your engine. Wilson explains, “If this light comes on, it could mean dangerously low oil levels. Driving without proper oil pressure can destroy the engine.” Check your oil level and refill it if it’s low. If the light stays on, call for help rather than risk driving.

The brake system light

Urgency level: High. Contact a mechanic if the light remains on.

What it means:

This light indicates potential issues with your car braking system, like low brake fluid. “When your brake light stays on, it’s a red flag,” says Wilson. Since brake failures are dangerous, attend to this light as soon as possible.

The airbag light

Urgency level: Medium. Schedule a repair soon.

What it means:

This light means a fault in the airbag system, which may prevent it from deploying if you’re in an accident. Wilson suggests: “An airbag warning is important to address, as your safety system could fail when you need it. Have it checked before long trips.”

The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light

Urgency Level: Low. Check tyre pressure at your next stop.

What It Means:

Low tyre pressure affects the car handling and fuel economy. Head to your nearest petrol station and fill the tyres to recommended levels. If the light stays on, it may mean there is a slow leak.