<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let’s decode what each colour means and explore the most common car dashboard symbols you’re likely to encounter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Amber\/yellow warning lights<\/strong> suggest caution – something needs attention but isn’t immediately dangerous<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Red warning lights<\/strong> signal a serious problem that requires immediate attention. You should stop driving as soon as it’s safe to do so.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Call us for advice<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Engine](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Engine-Management.png\")
<\/figure>\nEngine Management Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symbol:<\/strong> An engine-shaped symbol or “check engine” text <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning:<\/strong> There’s an issue with your engine or emission system <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common causes:<\/strong> Faulty oxygen sensors, catalytic converter problems, loose fuel cap, spark plug issues, or problems with the exhaust gas recirculation system. It can also indicate emission control faults or engine misfires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action required:<\/strong> Check your fuel cap is tight first, as this is often the culprit. If the light remains on, have your vehicle diagnosed with an OBD scanner to identify the specific fault code. Whilst you can often continue driving, ignoring this light could lead to more serious engine damage and expensive repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Find Out More<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Battery](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Battery-1.png\")
<\/figure>\nBattery Warning Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symbol:<\/strong> A rectangular battery symbol with + and – terminals <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning:<\/strong> Charging system problem or battery fault <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common causes:<\/strong> Usually caused by a failing alternator that’s not charging the battery properly, loose or corroded battery terminals, a worn drive belt, or a faulty battery that won’t hold charge. Can also indicate problems with the charging system wiring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action required:<\/strong> Check battery terminals are clean and tight first. If the light stays on, your battery isn’t being charged and you may have limited driving time before it goes completely flat. Turn off non-essential electrical items and head to a garage immediately, or call for roadside assistance if you’re far from help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Find Out More<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Oil](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Oil_.png\")
<\/figure>\nOil Warning Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symbol:<\/strong> An oil can or drop symbol <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning:<\/strong> Low oil pressure or oil level <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common causes:<\/strong> Most commonly caused by low oil levels due to leaks, burning oil, or overdue oil changes. Can also indicate oil pump failure, blocked oil filter, worn engine bearings, or using the wrong grade of oil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action required:<\/strong> Stop the engine immediately and check your oil level using the dipstick once the engine has cooled. Top up with the correct grade of oil if low. If the oil level is adequate but the light remains on, this indicates serious oil pressure problems – stop driving immediately and call for professional help to avoid catastrophic engine damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Find Out More<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"ABS](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/ABS-1.png\")
<\/figure>\nABS Warning Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symbol:<\/strong> “ABS” text inside a circle <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning:<\/strong> Anti-lock braking system fault <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common causes:<\/strong> Faulty wheel speed sensors (often due to dirt or damage), problems with the ABS control module, damaged wiring to the sensors, or low brake fluid affecting the ABS pump. Winter driving through salt and grime often triggers sensor faults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action required:<\/strong> Your normal brakes will still work, but you won’t have anti-lock protection, meaning wheels could lock under heavy braking. Drive more cautiously, especially in wet conditions, and avoid sudden braking. Have the system diagnosed soon as ABS is a crucial safety feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Find Out More<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"DPF](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/DPF.png\")
<\/figure>\nDPF Warning Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symbol:<\/strong> A rectangular filter with dots inside <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning:<\/strong> Diesel particulate filter needs regeneration or cleaning <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common causes:<\/strong> The DPF has become clogged with soot particles, typically from too many short journeys where the exhaust doesn’t get hot enough to burn off the accumulated soot. City driving and stop-start traffic are common culprits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action required:<\/strong> Take your car for a 15-20 minute drive on a dual carriageway or motorway at steady speeds above 40mph to help the DPF regenerate and burn off the soot. If the light doesn’t clear after several attempts, the filter may need professional cleaning or replacement, which can be costly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Find Out More<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Tyre](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Tyre-Pressure.png\")
<\/figure>\nTyre Pressure Warning Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symbol:<\/strong> A horseshoe shape with an exclamation mark <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning:<\/strong> One or more tyres have incorrect pressure <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common causes:<\/strong> Usually caused by natural air loss over time, temperature changes (cold weather reduces pressure), punctures, or damaged valves. The light can also trigger after fitting new tyres or wheels without resetting the system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action required:<\/strong> Check all tyre pressures including the spare using a reliable gauge when tyres are cold. Inflate to the manufacturer’s specifications found in your handbook or on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame. Look for obvious damage or punctures and reset the TPMS system according to your car’s instructions after adjusting pressures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Find Out More<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Glow](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/glow-plug-warning-light.png\")
<\/figure>\nGlow Plug Warning Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symbol:<\/strong> A coiled spring or spiral symbol <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning:<\/strong> Diesel engine glow plugs are heating up or have a fault <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common causes:<\/strong> During normal startup, this indicates glow plugs are preheating the combustion chambers. If it stays on or flashes, it usually means one or more glow plugs have failed, there’s a problem with the glow plug relay, or issues with the engine management system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action required:<\/strong> If it lights briefly during startup, wait for it to go out before turning the key to start. If it remains on while driving or flashes, you may experience difficult starting, especially in cold weather. Have the glow plug system tested and any faulty plugs replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Find Out More<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"AdBlue](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Adblue.png\")
<\/figure>\nAdBlue Warning Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symbol:<\/strong> A tap or nozzle pouring into a tank <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning:<\/strong> AdBlue fluid levels are low (diesel vehicles) <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common causes:<\/strong> Simply running low on AdBlue fluid, which is consumed during normal driving to reduce harmful emissions. Some systems may also trigger due to poor quality AdBlue, contaminated fluid, or faults with the injection system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action required:<\/strong> Top up your AdBlue tank with the correct grade fluid as soon as possible. You can usually drive for 1,000-1,500 miles after the warning appears, but your car will not start once the tank is completely empty. Only use high-quality AdBlue from reputable suppliers to avoid system damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Find Out More<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Fuel](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fuel.png\")
<\/figure>\nFuel Warning Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symbol:<\/strong> A petrol pump symbol <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning:<\/strong> Fuel level is low <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common causes:<\/strong> Simply running low on fuel, typically triggering when you have around 50-80 miles of range remaining. Can occasionally be caused by a faulty fuel level sensor giving false readings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action required:<\/strong> Fill up with fuel as soon as convenient. Don’t let your tank run completely empty as this can damage the fuel pump and allow sediment from the bottom of the tank to clog your fuel system. Keep at least a quarter tank during winter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Find Out More<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Transmission](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Transmission.png\")
<\/figure>\nTransmission Warning Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symbol:<\/strong> A gear or cog symbol <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning:<\/strong> Automatic transmission problem <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common causes:<\/strong> Low or dirty transmission fluid, overheating transmission, worn clutch plates, faulty solenoids, or problems with the transmission control module. Heavy towing or aggressive driving can accelerate wear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action required:<\/strong> Check transmission fluid level if accessible, but many modern cars have sealed units. Avoid aggressive acceleration and heavy loads. Have the transmission system diagnosed quickly as continued driving could cause expensive internal damage requiring a complete rebuild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Find Out More<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bulb](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Bulb.png\")
<\/figure>\nBulb Warning Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symbol:<\/strong> A lightbulb symbol <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning:<\/strong> One of your external lights has failed <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common causes:<\/strong> A blown bulb in your headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, or number plate lights. Can also be caused by loose connections, corroded contacts, or damaged wiring to the light clusters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action required:<\/strong> Check all external lights systematically – headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs with the correct specification. It’s illegal to drive with faulty lights and you could face a fine or MOT failure.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Catalytic](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/catalytic-converter-warning-light.png\")
<\/figure>\nCatalytic Converter Warning Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symbol:<\/strong> An exhaust pipe with steam rising<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning:<\/strong> Catalytic converter overheating or fault <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common causes:<\/strong> Usually caused by unburnt fuel reaching the catalytic converter due to engine misfires, faulty oxygen sensors, or rich fuel mixture. Can also result from using wrong fuel grade, contaminated fuel, or engine oil leaks into the exhaust system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action required:<\/strong> Reduce your speed immediately and avoid high RPMs. Stop driving if possible as continued use can cause the catalytic converter to overheat and suffer expensive damage. Address any underlying engine problems promptly as a replacement catalytic converter can cost \u00a3500-\u00a32000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Find Out More<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Traction](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Traction-Control.png\")
<\/figure>\nTraction Control Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symbol:<\/strong> A car viewed from behind with skid marks <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning:<\/strong> Traction control system is active or has a fault <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common causes:<\/strong> If flashing, the system is actively preventing wheel spin on slippery surfaces. If constantly on, causes include faulty wheel speed sensors, ABS system problems, damaged wiring, or issues with the traction control module. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action required:<\/strong> If it flashes briefly during acceleration on slippery surfaces, this is normal operation. If it stays on constantly, you’ll lose traction control assistance, making the car more likely to skid. Drive more cautiously, especially in wet or icy conditions, and have the system diagnosed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Find Out More<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Brake](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Brake-System-1.png\")
<\/figure>\nBrake System Warning Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symbol:<\/strong> An exclamation mark inside a circle with parentheses <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meaning:<\/strong> Brake system fault or handbrake is engaged <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common causes:<\/strong> Most commonly the handbrake is still partially engaged. Other causes include low brake fluid due to leaks or worn brake pads, brake fluid contamination, faulty brake master cylinder, or problems with the brake servo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action required:<\/strong> First check your handbrake is fully released. If the light remains on, stop driving immediately as this indicates a serious brake system fault. Check brake fluid level but don’t drive if it’s low. Call for professional help as brake failure could be catastrophic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Red warning lights<\/strong> signal a serious problem that requires immediate attention. You should stop driving as soon as it’s safe to do so.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Coolant](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Coolant-1.png\")
<\/figure>![\"Power](\"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Power-Steering.png\")
<\/figure>