What the Colours Mean

Most dashboards use a traffic-light approach. It’s a useful rule of thumb, but the colour alone doesn’t tell you exactly what to do. Always confirm the symbol and instructions in your owner’s manual.

The Start-Up Glance

When you start the engine, watch the dashboard. On most vehicles, warning lights come on briefly as a self-test, then go out. What matters is any light that stays on or comes on once you’re moving.

• If a light stays on after start-up, note its colour and symbol before you drive off.
• If the parking brake light stays on, release the parking brake fully. If it stays on after that, find out why before you drive.
• If a red light stays on, check your owner’s manual before you go anywhere.

Common Lights to Know

These are among the dashboard warnings you should recognize. Check the exact symbol, colour and response in your vehicle’s manual.

• Brake system: May indicate a parking brake that isn’t fully released, low brake fluid or a brake-system fault. If the warning stays on after you release the parking brake, stop safely and have the system checked. Don’t keep driving if the brakes feel abnormal.
• Oil pressure: Low oil pressure can quickly cause serious engine damage. If this warning appears while you’re driving, pull over safely and shut off the engine as soon as it’s safe to do so. Don’t continue until the cause has been checked.
• Battery or charging: The electrical system may not be charging properly, and systems may stop working as the battery loses power. If the warning stays on, stop safely and arrange assistance.
• Engine temperature: The engine may be overheating. Stop safely and switch off the engine when appropriate. Let it cool, and never remove a hot radiator or coolant-system cap.
• Check engine: A possible fault in the engine or emissions system. A flashing check-engine light can indicate a serious engine problem. Reduce power, pull over safely if it continues or the vehicle runs roughly, and arrange prompt assistance.
• Tire pressure: One or more tires may be underinflated. Check the tires as soon as it’s safe, using a gauge and the pressure on your vehicle’s tire placard, usually inside the driver’s door. If a tire looks damaged or the vehicle handles unusually, stop and assess before continuing.
• ABS (anti-lock braking system) or stability control: Part of the braking or traction and stability system may not be fully working. Normal braking may still be available, but the vehicle may not give its usual help during hard braking or a loss of traction. Have the system checked and adjust your driving.

What to Do When One Comes On

1. Stay calm. Avoid sudden braking or steering unless an immediate hazard requires it.
2. Identify the warning. Note its colour and symbol, and check your owner’s manual when you can do so safely.
3. Assess the vehicle. Pay attention to unusual noises, smells, smoke, temperature changes, handling or braking.
4. Stop when necessary. If the warning points to a serious problem, or the vehicle feels or sounds wrong, find a safe place to stop. Switch off the engine when appropriate and call for help.
5. Follow up. If the warning is amber and the vehicle seems to run normally, check the manual and arrange inspection or service as directed. Don’t ignore it just because the car still drives.

If you’re stuck at the roadside, our breaking down guide covers what to do.

Common Mistakes

Assuming the vehicle is safe because it still drives normally

The problem: The car seems to run properly, so you assume a warning can wait indefinitely.

Better approach: A developing fault may not cause obvious symptoms. Check the warning and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Assuming all lights mean the same thing everywhere

The problem: You rely on a generic dashboard chart for a symbol that may work differently in your vehicle.

Better approach: Use your owner’s manual to identify the exact warning and the response it needs.

Relying only on the tire pressure light

The problem: You wait for the warning before checking your tires.

Better approach: Check tire pressure regularly with a gauge. The warning system is an extra safeguard, not a replacement for inspection. Our pre-drive checks guide covers the monthly routine.

Skipping the dashboard glance

The problem: You pull away without noticing a warning that stays on.

Better approach: Make the dashboard check part of starting the car.

Continuing to drive with a serious warning

The problem: You assume you can reach your destination before dealing with the issue.

Better approach: Know which warnings mean you should stop. Driving on with an oil pressure or overheating warning, for example, can cause serious damage.

Practice Exercise: The Dashboard Walk-Through

With the vehicle parked and the owner’s manual open, go through the dashboard together. Each of you has a job.

Your job

Start the engine and watch which lights come on and go out. Find each unfamiliar symbol in the manual and say its colour and meaning out loud. Then say what you would do if each one came on while you were driving.

Your supervising driver’s job

Quiz you on a few symbols and ask what you’d do if each came on while driving. Include these scenarios:

• The oil pressure warning appears while you’re travelling.
• The check engine light begins flashing.
• The tire pressure warning comes on.
• The brake warning stays on after you release the parking brake.

Ask where you would stop, what you would check and when you would call for help. For more on structuring practice, see teaching a new driver.

Vehicle condition also matters on test day. See The Road Test: What to Expect for what examiners check before you drive.

The Bottom Line

Learn what your vehicle’s warning lights mean, know which ones require you to stop, and never ignore a warning just because the car still seems to drive normally. Red means stop safely, amber means act soon, and your owner’s manual explains the rest. For the routine that catches problems before the dashboard does, see Pre-Drive Checks That Prevent Problems.

A warning light is your car telling you something. Listen early.