You’re behind the wheel, rolling along and enjoying the ride, when you look down and see a car warning light has come on. Uh-oh! Naturally, you’re concerned, and you should be! Each car warning light is there for a reason. Not every symbol or light requires immediate attention, but some mean you should pull over and call a tow truck.
To find out how well people understand these warning lights, we surveyed 1,000 Americans and asked them to identify ten different dashboard warning symbols. We found that many drivers aren't familiar with all of them—so we’re here to make things simple. To help you better understand your car and know when it’s time to visit an automotive technician, we put together this list of common car warning lights and what they mean, along with some key findings from our survey.
16 Common Car Warning Lights and Meanings
Here are some of the most common car warning lights that may pop up on your dashboard.
1. Oil pressure warning light
The oil pressure warning light — i.e., the old-fashioned oil can — illuminates when there’s a problem with the engine’s oil pressure, possibly due to low oil levels, a blockage in the oil system, or a failing oil pump, among other things. It may be a familiar sign, but 16% of drivers in our survey mistook this warning light for the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
If the oil pressure is too low, the oil won’t flow through the engine properly, which could lead to severe damage and an expensive repair bill! Don’t take this warning lightly. Pull over to a safe location, turn off the engine, and call a tow truck.
2. Charging system warning light
The charging system warning light, also known as the battery light, lets you know something’s wrong with your vehicle’s battery or charging system. Despite its straightforward appearance, 8% of drivers in our survey couldn’t correctly identify this symbol.
This warning can illuminate for several reasons, including:
- A loose, corroded battery cable
- An issue with the alternator or voltage regulator
- Faulty wiring in the charging system
- Damaged plates or cells inside the battery
Check and clean any corrosion on the battery and tighten your cable clamps. If the light persists, take your vehicle to an automotive professional for a battery check.
3. Low fuel warning light
Often designated by a gas pump symbol, the low fuel warning light means you must fill your gas tank soon. Most drivers recognize this symbol, as only 2% of respondents missed the low fuel warning light in our survey.
While you can still drive with this light on, don’t make it a habit. Of course, you risk getting stranded (no fun!), but your in-tank fuel pump needs gas to act as a lubricant and coolant. When you consistently let your vehicle run low on fuel, you can prematurely wear out your in-tank fuel pump, which can be expensive to replace.
4. Engine temperature warning light
The engine temperature warning light, usually represented by a thermometer, tells you your engine is overheating. There might be a radiator problem, lack of radiator fluid, damaged water pump, or another issue related to the cooling system. Regardless of the cause, it’s crucial to immediately pull over to a safe location, shut off your engine, and let your engine cool down to prevent severe engine damage. Call a tow truck and let an automotive professional identify and fix the issue.
5. Brake warning light
The brake warning light typically appears as a symbol of an exclamation mark inside a circle, sometimes with the words "BRAKE" or "PARK.” This was the most misunderstood warning light in our survey—2 in 3 drivers couldn’t identify it. In fact, 1 in 3 mistook it for the Check Engine Light (CEL or MIL), which is more than the number of people who got it right (just 31%). The confusion may stem from its generic design and its slight resemblance to the tire pressure warning light.
When it illuminates, it can indicate several different issues with the braking system. Some common reasons include:
- Low brake fluid
- Worn brake pads
- Brake system malfunction
- Parking brake engagement
Ignoring this light can compromise your and other drivers’ safety, so take your vehicle to an automotive professional for a brake inspection.
6. Windshield washer fluid low warning light
The windshield washer warning light indicates that your windshield washer fluid is low. It’s one of the simpler warnings on your dash, but 8% of drivers still couldn’t identify it. Luckily, extinguishing this light is easy. Just check your windshield washer fluid and refill the tank. If you have plenty of fluid or the light doesn’t disappear after filling your tank, you may need to inspect and replace the sensor.
7. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light
The TPMS warning light alerts you when the air pressure in one or more tires has dropped below the recommended level. This symbol stumps a lot of drivers. In our survey, 36% of respondents couldn’t identify the TPMS warning light, making it the second most misunderstood warning light after the brake warning.
If the tire pressure is too low, it can cause reduced traction, decreased handling, and even a tire blowout. When the light comes on, check your tire pressure, and add air to the affected tire until it reaches the recommended pressure. If the light is still on after inflating the tire, have a technician inspect and service your TPMS.
8. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light
The ABS warning light — which typically appears with the letters “ABS” — indicates a problem with the Anti-lock Braking System, a safety feature that helps prevent wheel lockup and skidding when braking on slick roads. While most drivers recognize it, 8% in our survey couldn’t identify the symbol, and surprisingly, women were better at spotting it than men.
Several factors could cause this warning light to trigger, including:
- A malfunctioning ABS module
- Low brake fluid
- ABS sensor problems
- A blown fuse or damaged wiring
When the ABS warning light is on, the ABS may be disabled, but your vehicle's regular braking system should still function. However, the ABS won't be available to provide its anti-locking functionality. At your earliest convenience, take your vehicle to your local automotive professional for a brake inspection.
9. Traction Control System (TCS) warning light
The TCS warning light comes on when there’s a change or issue with the Traction Control System. This safety feature helps maintain traction and prevent wheel spin during acceleration, especially on slippery or uneven road surfaces. It’s not always the easiest symbol to recognize, as 15% of survey participants didn’t know what it meant.
Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, the TCS light may come on when the system activates, which is normal. However, if the light persists and you’re not driving in slippery conditions, there might be a TCS malfunction. Have a professional inspect your vehicle to determine if there are any major underlying issues.
10. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light
ESC is a safety feature that helps prevent a vehicle from losing control and spinning out. It uses sensors and accelerometers to collect information and sends it to a computer that can apply brakes, reduce power, or use the steering system and transmission to keep the vehicle stable when turning. The ESC light may appear when the system activates, detecting a loss in traction. The light should only stay on for a short time, so if it continues to illuminate longer, there may be an ESC malfunction. Visit your local automotive professional for an inspection.
11. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) — also known as the engine warning light or Check Engine Light (CEL) — alerts you to potential problems or malfunctions in the vehicle's engine, emissions system, or other critical components. These possible issues can be anything from a loose gas cap to a major engine misfire, but when the MIL comes on, check if the light is illuminated steadily or blinking. A steady MIL means that the issue is usually not an emergency but should be attended to at your earliest convenience. On the other hand, a blinking MIL may indicate a serious engine problem that requires immediate attention.
Despite being one of the most well-known warning lights, 27% of drivers couldn’t identify the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) in our survey, and Gen Z had the hardest time, with only 55% recognizing it correctly.
12. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light
The SRS warning light indicates a potential problem with the Supplemental Restraint System, a safety feature that deploys airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners to protect passengers during a collision. It’s an important light, but not everyone recognizes it right away. In our survey, 10% of drivers couldn’t identify it.
If the SRS warning light comes on, it could mean there's an issue with the system, such as a malfunctioning sensor, faulty airbag module, or wiring problem. A car with an illuminated SRS light should NOT be driven. Have your car towed to an automotive professional to inspect and fix the issue, ensuring your airbags will work properly in the event of an accident.
13. Low radiator fluid level warning light
As the name suggests, the low radiator fluid level warning light alerts you when there’s insufficient fluid. If this light comes on, your vehicle could be leaking radiator fluid. Without radiator fluid, your engine may overheat or seize up, so don’t ignore this warning. Take your vehicle to an automotive professional to help diagnose the problem.
14. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) malfunction light
The ETC malfunction light indicates that there may be a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control, a system that manages airflow into the engine. When the ETC light appears, your vehicle may enter a “reduced power mode” to help protect the engine. The issue could be a faulty throttle body, a damaged sensor, or a malfunction in the throttle body’s electric motor, among other things. Visit an automotive professional to inspect and service your vehicle.
15. Loose fuel filler cap warning light
The loose fuel filler cap warning light indicates a potential issue with the fuel filler cap or fuel system. Typically, this light appears if the cap isn’t properly tightened, especially after filling your gas tank. But if the light persists after tightening the cap, there could be a problem with the cap itself or the fuel system. While you can still drive with this light on, your vehicle may experience reduced fuel efficiency and pressure issues in the fuel system. Take your vehicle to a professional at your earliest convenience.
16. Oil temperature warning light
The oil temperature warning light signals you when the engine's oil temperature has risen to an unsafe level, which can lead to engine damage or failure. This warning light usually illuminates due to overheating engine oil, low oil levels, or a malfunctioning oil temperature sensor. When it appears, pull over safely, turn off the engine, check the oil level, inspect the cooling system, and seek professional assistance to prevent potential engine problems.
The Importance of Color in Car Warning Lights
Color matters when it comes to car warning lights. For example:
- Green or blue lights simply mean a system is on or operating. No sweat.
- Orange or yellow symbols and warning lights mean a system requires servicing soon.
- Red warrants your immediate attention! Some red symbols are warning lights, such as the seat belt reminder. Others alert you to a mechanical issue, like an overheated engine. Never put off action when you see a red dashboard warning light.
What to Do When You See Red or Flashing Warning Lights
Just like with red warning lights, a flashing warning light indicates that a problem is currently happening and requires immediate attention. Here’s what you should do when you see these warning lights:
- Pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so
- Determine what triggered the light to illuminate
- Get your car to a service technician as quickly as possible!
- Don’t wait. Continuing to drive with a flashing or red indicator light could cause damage to your car and result in time-consuming, expensive repairs
Visit Your Local Jiffy Lube for Your Service Needs
Don’t ignore these car warning lights! They’re your vehicle’s way of communicating with you. If you ever encounter a warning light that requires professional attention, visit your local Jiffy Lube®. Our trained technicians can perform diagnostic testing to determine what’s wrong with your vehicle and provide a written estimate for any repairs. If you have any questions or concerns, our friendly and knowledgeable staff will gladly provide the information you need.
NOTE: Not all services are offered at all Jiffy Lube service centers. Please call ahead or check jiffylube.com to ensure the service is available at the Jiffy Lube location near you.
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