Dashboard light lookupColor first, symbol second
Red Dashboard Lights

Red Dashboard Lights

Red dashboard lights are the ones to treat first. Oil pressure, brake, coolant temperature, and battery charging lights can become expensive or unsafe fast.

Symbol finder

Match the shape, then read the color. A steady amber light and a red oil light are not the same kind of problem.

When to act

Red

Stop safely for oil pressure, brake, coolant temperature, battery charging, or airbag warnings.

Yellow / amber

Check soon. The car may drive, but the fault should not be ignored.

Green

A feature is active, such as lane assist, lights, or cruise-related systems.

Blue

Information, most often high beams. Adjust it for other drivers.

LightSystemWhat to do
Oil pressure lightEngine oilPull over safely, shut the engine off, and check oil level. Do not keep driving with this light on.
Brake warning lightBrakeCheck the parking brake first. If the light stays on or the pedal feels wrong, stop and get help.
Battery charging lightChargingTurn off extra electrical loads and drive only far enough to reach a safe stop or service point.
Airbag lightSRSCheck seat belts and passenger-seat items. Have the SRS system scanned soon.
Coolant temperature lightCoolingPull over safely, turn the engine off, and let it cool. Do not open a hot coolant cap.

Common questions

Why did several warning lights come on at once?

A weak battery, wheel-speed sensor fault, or communication problem can trigger several systems. Read the stored codes before replacing random parts.

Can I drive with a yellow warning light?

Often yes, but it depends on the symbol. Drive gently and schedule a check if the light stays on, flashes, or the car feels different.

Which warning lights mean stop now?

Oil pressure, coolant temperature, brake, charging, and flashing check-engine lights should be treated as stop-safely warnings.