Dashboard warning lights explained
By Tagwell Auto · Last updated October 10, 2026
The short answer: the color tells you how urgent it is. Red means stop as soon as it's safe. Amber or yellow means have it checked soon. Green and blue only tell you something is switched on.
General guidance. Your owner's manual wins. If a red warning light is on or the car drives differently, stop safely and get help.
The color code
| Color | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Red | A problem that can damage the car or put you at risk | Pull over when it's safe, turn the engine off and read the manual or call for help |
| Amber or yellow | Something needs attention | Keep driving gently and have it checked in the next few days |
| Green or blue | A system is on, like headlights or cruise control | Nothing. It's information |
Red lights you should never drive on
- Oil pressure (an oil can). The engine may not be getting oil. Stop and switch off. Driving on can ruin the engine in minutes
- Engine temperature (a thermometer in waves). The engine is overheating. Stop, switch off and let it cool. Never open a hot radiator cap
- Brake system (a circle with an exclamation mark). First check the parking brake is fully off. If the light stays on, the brake fluid may be low. Don't drive it
- Charging system (a battery). The battery isn't being charged. You have a short time before the car stops. Head somewhere safe, with as little electrical load as you can
Amber lights you'll see most
- Check engine (an engine outline). Steady: get the code read soon. Flashing: the engine is misfiring, which can damage the catalytic converter. Ease off and have it seen right away
- Tire pressure (a flat tire shape with an exclamation mark). One or more tires is low. Check all four with a gauge when they're cold, and the spare
- ABS. The anti-lock system is off. The normal brakes still work, but have it checked
- Traction or stability control. Flashing means it's working. Steady means it's switched off or has a fault
- Airbag (a seated person with a circle). An airbag may not work in a crash. Have it checked soon
A light came on. Now what?
- Note the color and the shape.
- If it's red, or the car feels, sounds or smells different, stop safely.
- Look the symbol up in your owner's manual. Symbols vary a little between makers.
- If it's the check engine light, a parts store or a cheap code reader can read the code for you.
General guidance. Typical intervals, and your owner's manual wins. If a red warning light is on or the car drives differently, stop safely and get help.
Related: Open the warning light tool · Safety and recalls in Tagwell Auto
Track this automatically in Tagwell Auto
Tagwell Auto keeps your service dates and mileage in one place, so when a light comes on you know what was done last and when. With a Bluetooth code reader, the phone app can read the code itself.
Questions
Is it safe to drive with the check engine light on?
If it's steady and the car drives normally, you can usually drive gently to have the code read. If it's flashing, ease off and have it seen right away.
What does a red warning light mean?
A problem that can damage the car or put you at risk. Stop as soon as it's safe and check your owner's manual.
Why is my tire pressure light on when the tires look fine?
A tire can be well under pressure and still look normal. Cold weather also drops the pressure. Check all four with a gauge.