Dashboard warning light guide

What that light on your dashboard actually means — and whether it can wait or you should pull over now. These are the standard symbols used across most cars; your exact dash may look slightly different.

Stop driving now

Pull over safely as soon as you can — continuing to drive risks real damage or danger.

🌡️
Engine Temperature
The engine is overheating.
Pull over, turn off the engine, and let it cool before checking coolant. Driving on can warp the engine.
🛢️
Oil Pressure
Oil pressure has dropped — the engine isn't being lubricated properly.
Stop immediately. A few minutes of driving on low oil pressure can seize the engine.
🛑
Brake System
Brake fluid is low, or there’s a fault in the brake system (not the handbrake reminder).
Check the handbrake is released first. If the light stays on, get the brakes inspected before driving further.
🔋
Battery / Charging
The alternator isn't charging the battery properly.
You can usually drive carefully to a mechanic, but the car may lose power and stall without warning.
🎛️
Power Steering
The power-assist steering system has a fault.
Steering will get noticeably heavier, especially at low speed. Get it checked before your next drive.
💥
Airbag / SRS
A fault in the airbag or seatbelt pretensioner system.
Your airbags may not deploy — or may deploy unexpectedly — in a crash. Get this checked soon, it's a safety system.

Get it checked soon

Not an emergency — but don’t ignore it for long. Book a check in the next few days.

⚙️
Check Engine (MIL)
The engine computer has logged a fault — could be minor (a loose fuel cap) or more serious.
Get it scanned to read the actual fault code rather than guessing. GetAutoSure can read this for you.
🔄
ABS
The anti-lock braking system has a fault.
Normal brakes still work, but you lose anti-lock protection in a hard stop. Get it checked soon.
🛞
Tyre Pressure (TPMS)
One or more tyres are significantly under-inflated.
Check all four tyres (including the spare) with a gauge as soon as you can.
🌀
Traction Control / ESC
Either it's actively working on a slippery surface, or there's a fault.
Flashing while driving on a wet/loose surface is normal. Staying on constantly means a fault — get it checked.
🔥
Glow Plug (diesel)
Diesel engines: the glow plugs are pre-heating before starting.
Wait for it to turn off before cranking. If it flashes while driving, there’s a fault — get it checked.
💨
DPF (diesel particulate filter)
The filter that traps diesel soot needs to clear itself.
A sustained highway drive often clears it. If it stays on, get the DPF inspected.

Normal / reminder

Not a fault — just telling you something, or confirming a system is active.

⛽
Fuel Level Low
You're running low on fuel.
Refuel when convenient — usually good for 50-100km more.
💧
Washer Fluid Low
Windshield washer fluid is low.
Top it up next time you stop — not urgent.
🔔
Seatbelt Reminder
You or a passenger haven't buckled up.
Buckle up — the light (and chime) stops once everyone’s belted.
🔦
High Beam
High-beam headlights are on.
Switch to low beam when there’s oncoming traffic.
Not sure which light you're seeing?

The GetAutoSure app reads the actual fault code behind your check-engine light and explains it in plain language — not a guess from a photo.

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