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Dashboard warning lights are your car’s way of telling you something needs attention. Some lights mean a system is working as normal. Others mean you should stop safely and get help.
If a warning light appears and you are unsure what to do, check your vehicle handbook first. If the light stays on, flashes, or affects how the car drives, contact a professional as soon as possible.
Quick answer: Red dashboard warning lights usually mean you should stop safely as soon as possible. Amber lights usually mean the car needs checking soon. Green, blue or white lights often mean a system is active.
| Warning light | What it usually means | Can you keep driving? | What to do next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine warning light | Possible engine or emissions fault | Only if the car drives normally and the light is not flashing | Book a diagnostic check |
| Oil pressure warning light | Low oil pressure | No | Stop safely and check the oil level |
| Temperature warning light | Engine overheating | No | Stop safely and let the engine cool |
| Brake warning light | Brake system issue or handbrake still on | Only after checking the handbrake | Get the brakes checked immediately |
| Battery warning light | Charging system fault | Short distance only if safe | Have the battery and alternator checked |
| ABS warning light | Anti-lock braking system fault | Usually, but with reduced safety support | Book a brake system check |
| Airbag warning light | Airbag or restraint system fault | Yes, but safety may be reduced | Get it checked as soon as possible |
| Power steering warning light | Steering assistance fault | Only if steering feels safe | Stop if steering becomes heavy |
| Tyre pressure warning light | One or more tyres may be under-inflated | Yes, carefully | Check tyre pressures as soon as possible |
| Traction control or ESP light | Traction system active or faulty | Yes if it flashes briefly | Book a check if it stays on |
The engine warning light is one of the most common car warning lights. It may appear as an engine symbol or as the words “check engine”.
This light can be linked to several issues, from a loose fuel cap to a fault with the engine or emissions system. If the car feels normal and the light is steady, you may be able to continue driving carefully. If the light flashes, or the car loses power, shakes, smells unusual or makes strange noises, stop safely and get help.
What to do: check that the fuel cap is secure if your car has one. If the light stays on, book a diagnostic check with a technician.
The oil pressure warning light is usually shown as an old-style oil can. This is one of the most serious dashboard warning lights.
It means the engine may not have enough oil pressure. Driving without proper oil pressure can cause serious engine damage.
What to do: stop the car as soon as it is safe. Turn the engine off and check the oil level. If the oil level is low, top it up with the correct oil. If the light stays on after topping up, do not keep driving. Arrange professional help.
The temperature warning light usually looks like a thermometer in water. It means your engine is getting too hot.
This could be caused by low coolant, a leak, a radiator problem or another issue in the cooling system. Continuing to drive with an overheating engine can cause major damage.
What to do: pull over safely, switch the engine off and wait for it to cool. Do not remove the coolant cap while the engine is hot. If the light comes back on, get the car checked before driving again.
The brake warning light is often shown as an exclamation mark inside a circle. It can mean the handbrake is still on, but it can also point to a brake system problem.
If the handbrake is fully released and the light remains on, the issue could be low brake fluid, worn brake pads or another fault.
What to do: do not ignore this warning. Brakes are essential for safety. If the light stays on, avoid driving and arrange a brake inspection. Eden also offers brake support through its service and parts department.
The battery warning light is shown as a battery symbol. It does not always mean the battery itself has failed.
It can mean the battery is not charging properly. The issue could be the alternator, wiring, battery terminals or another part of the charging system.
What to do: turn off non-essential electrical systems, such as heated seats or air conditioning, if safe to do so. Drive only if necessary and book a check quickly. If the car struggles to start or loses electrical power, stop safely.
The ABS warning light usually shows the letters “ABS” inside a circle. ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System.
If the ABS light comes on, your normal brakes may still work, but the anti-lock function may not help you during sudden braking. This can reduce control in an emergency stop or on slippery roads.
What to do: drive carefully and get the system checked as soon as possible. You can also read Eden’s dedicated guide to what the ABS warning light means.
The airbag warning light often shows a seated person with a circle in front of them. It means there may be a fault with the airbag or seatbelt restraint system.
Your car may still drive normally, but the airbags may not work correctly in a collision. This makes it a safety issue, not just a dashboard notification.
What to do: book a check as soon as possible. Do not assume the light will clear by itself.
The power steering warning light is often shown as a steering wheel with an exclamation mark.
If this light comes on, your steering may become heavier. This can make the car harder to control, especially when parking, turning at low speed or making sudden movements.
What to do: if the steering feels heavy or unsafe, stop as soon as it is safe. If the steering still feels normal, drive carefully and arrange a check.
The tyre pressure monitoring system light, also called the TPMS light, usually looks like an exclamation mark inside a flat tyre.
It means one or more tyres may be under-inflated. Low tyre pressure can affect braking, handling, tyre wear and fuel efficiency.
What to do: check your tyre pressures when safe. Inflate them to the correct level shown in your handbook or inside the car door frame. If the light comes back after inflation, there may be a puncture or sensor issue. Eden can help with tyre checks through its service and parts team.
The traction control or ESP light is usually shown as a car with skid marks.
If it flashes briefly while you are driving in wet, icy or slippery conditions, the system is probably working to help keep the car stable. If the light stays on, the system may have a fault or may have been switched off.
What to do: slow down and drive carefully in poor conditions. If the light stays on during normal driving, book a check.
You should stop as soon as it is safe if you see a red warning light, the oil pressure light, the temperature light, a flashing engine light, a brake warning that does not clear, or any warning light that appears with unusual noise, smoke, loss of power or poor handling.
If the car feels unsafe, do not continue driving. Pull over safely and arrange assistance.
You should book a diagnostic check if a dashboard warning light stays on after restarting the car, keeps coming back, or appears alongside a change in how the car drives.
A diagnostic check can help identify the fault before it becomes more expensive. Eden Motor Group uses diagnostic equipment as part of its MOT and servicing support.
Some warning lights can affect your MOT result, especially if they relate to safety systems, brakes, tyres, emissions or airbags.
If your MOT is coming up, it is worth checking any warning lights in advance. Eden has a helpful guide on how to prepare for an MOT.
Understanding what each warning light on your dashboard represents can significantly contribute to safer driving and more effective vehicle maintenance. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific guidance related to your car’s particular make and model. If you're unsure about warning lights or car behaviours, consult a professional mechanic to ensure your car is in optimal running condition. Keeping an eye on these indicators can prevent minor issues from developing into major repairs, saving you time and money in the long run.
A red warning light usually means there is a serious issue. Stop safely as soon as possible and check your handbook.
An amber warning light usually means something needs checking soon. You may be able to drive, but you should not ignore it.
You may be able to drive if the light is steady and the car feels normal. If the light flashes or the car feels different, stop safely and get help.
Stop safely, turn the engine off and check the oil level. Do not keep driving if the light stays on.
It usually means one or more tyres are under-inflated. Check the tyre pressures and inspect the tyres for damage.
No. Some faults are not obvious while driving. If a warning light stays on, book a check as soon as possible.
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