Know your dashboard warning lights (don't just tape it over...)

When your dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree, it’s tempting to ignore it—or worse, cover it with tape.

These warning lights exist for a reason, of course, and understanding them can save you from costly repairs or potential breakdowns.

Modern cars have between 25 and 40 dashboard icons, depending on their complexity. From routine alerts to critical warnings, these lights provide essential feedback about your vehicle’s health. Here’s your guide to decoding what they mean.

What do the colours of my dashboard lights mean?

Think of it like traffic lights, where red means stop, orange is caution, and green is go.

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🟥 Red lights: Immediate action required

• Don’t ignore red lights: These are often critical and should be addressed immediately to avoid damage or unsafe driving conditions.
• Consult your owner’s manual: It provides detailed information about every dashboard icon in your specific vehicle.
• Get regular maintenance: Preventative care can help you avoid many of the issues indicated by warning lights.

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🟧 Orange lights: Monitor or take action soon

An orange light usually signifies something that requires monitoring, such as low fuel or tyre pressure.

The terrifying 'check engine' light may also appear orange or red, depending on the severity of the problem detected, but it will often be accompanied by a more specific light for extra context.

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🟩 🟦 ⬜ Green, blue, and white lights: Active features

These aren't warnings so much as simple alerts to let you know that a particular feature is active, such as lights (driving, high-beam and fog), turning indicators, park brake, cruise control and driver-assist features like lane-keep assistant and active distance control.

The full rundown

Here's an extensive list of dashboard symbols, to go with the terrifying key below

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Don't panic...

Dashboard warning lights are more than just colourful distractions — they’re critical tools for keeping you informed about your car’s health.

Understanding what they mean can help you act quickly and avoid costly repairs.

If in doubt, always consult your car’s owner manual or seek assistance from a professional. Keeping on top of maintenance and addressing issues promptly will ensure your car stays safe and reliable.