Understanding the lights on your car's dashboard
By Bardahl • The 8/5/2021 • 5 min reading
Warning and alert lights are among the most critical because they draw attention to anomalies that require immediate or imminent attention. Red lights, which are warning symbols, indicate serious faults that could compromise safety, such as an overheated engine or a brake problem. They often require the vehicle to be stopped immediately to avoid further damage. Amber lights, on the other hand, are warning indicators that urge the driver to exercise caution. They indicate less urgent problems, such as an oil change or incorrect tire pressure, but which still require prompt attention to ensure safe and optimal driving.
Engine control system fault
This indicator can take two colours: yellow or red. Universally, a yellow display means that you can continue driving, if necessary, but take precautions (see below); if it is displayed in red, you must stop the vehicle immediately to avoid damaging essential mechanical components.
If the warning light appears continuously: it indicates a faulty operation of the fuel/ignition system that could cause high exhaust emissions, loss of performance, poor handling and high consumption. In practice, this is often a problem with the particulate filter (DPF) or fouling. In these conditions, you can continue driving without making great demands on the engine or taking it to high speeds. However, it should not be forgotten that prolonged use of the car with the warning light on can cause damage. You should therefore contact your garage as soon as possible or opt for a Bardahl engine eco-cleaning solution.
If it remains on while flashing: for some vehicles, it indicates the possibility of damage to the catalyst. In this case, you must release the accelerator pedal and return to low revs, until the warning light stops flashing. You must continue driving at moderate speed and contact your garage as soon as possible.
Oil witness
Again, this is a vital warning light for the proper functioning of your engine. It will display orange if the oil level is low: if this happens, we strongly advise you to top up as soon as possible with oil suitable for your engine.
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But if this light comes on red while driving, you must stop the engine immediately and contact your garage. Without oil pressure, you risk the engine breaking down completely.
Engine temperature (coolant)
The warning light is incorporated in the engine coolant temperature indicator instrument. The warning light, in red, indicates an excessive increase in the coolant temperature. If the engine gets too hot, it could seriously damage it. Therefore, contact your garage directly.
Never open the expansion tank when it is hot. If you have a coolant leak and you are really stuck, it is better to drive with mineral water than without any coolant (some rally drivers have even finished special stages with beer in the expansion tank!). If you apply this "emergency plan", make sure to drain the entire system and refill with the correct coolant.
Braking system
Regarding the braking system, three warning lights may light up or flash red.
The first light, with an exclamation point in the center, corresponds to the handbrake. If it remains on while driving, it can give you two indications: either your handbrake is not properly released, or your braking system has a problem (quantity of brake fluid or leak for example). In the latter case, you will have to stop as quickly as possible and carry out a serious check. It is a matter of your safety.
The second light, which sometimes flashes, can indicate significant wear on the brake pads. They will need to be replaced shortly.
Finally, if the ABS warning light remains on while driving, this means that the anti-lock braking system is deactivated or defective. Before the 2000s, not all vehicles were equipped with ABS. It is therefore not too restrictive but it is more effective to brake with ABS, especially on slippery roads.
Tire pressure indicator
This light is used to tell you that a tire is deflated. It can also indicate a pressure sensor fault.
Power steering
If a red (or orange) steering wheel appears on the dashboard, this means that the power steering is experiencing a problem. The steering wheel may therefore become harder to maneuver. Since the steering of a vehicle is essential, it is therefore best to consult your garage as soon as possible!
Electronic stability system (ESP, ESC, etc.)
If this logo appears in yellow, it means that you have disabled the system or that it is experiencing a problem.
Bulb
This indicator light tells you that a light or indicator bulb needs to be replaced.
Preheating
This light appears on diesel vehicles when the ignition is switched on, before starting the engine. If it remains on once the engine is running, you may have a problem but it is not very serious. In this case, consult your garage.
Battery
If the battery indicator light remains on while driving, contact your garage.
Interview
If a flat wrench appears on the dashboard, it means it is time to service your vehicle.