Common Dashboard Warning Lights – And What They Mean

Your dashboard is more than just speed and fuel — it’s a vital communication system. When something’s wrong, your car speaks through these symbols. But if you don’t know what they mean, you could risk bigger damage or costly repairs.

At Peers Auto Spares, we want you to understand what your car is saying. Below are 23 of the most common dashboard warning lights, each explained simply — plus what actions to take and which parts may need replacing.

🔴 Red = Urgent | 🟡 Yellow = Attention Needed | 🔵 Blue = Info Only

Let’s go through them by number:

 

1. ABS Warning Light

What it means: Your Anti-lock Braking System isn’t working properly. While your car can still brake, ABS helps prevent skidding during sudden stops.
What to do: Drive cautiously and have your brakes checked.
🔧 Browse quality brake pads to stay safe on the road.

2. Traction Control Light

What it means: Traction control is either working or has a fault. If it stays on, the system may be off or malfunctioning.
What to do: Have the system diagnosed. It’s essential in wet or slippery conditions.

3. Glow Plug Indicator (Diesel only)

What it means: Your glow plugs are warming up. If it blinks or stays on, you may have a faulty glow plug or sensor.
What to do: Avoid hard starts. Visit a mechanic for testing.

4. Engine Coolant Temperature Warning

What it means: Your engine is too hot. This could be due to low coolant, a faulty thermostat, or radiator issues.
What to do: Stop the engine and let it cool. Never open a hot radiator cap.
🧊 Check our coolant and radiator parts.

5. Check Engine Light (CEL)

What it means: Something is wrong in your engine or emissions system — possibly spark plugs, fuel injectors, or sensors.
What to do: Get a diagnostic scan.
🛠️ Shop spark plugs and filters to fix common CEL issues.
👉 See our post: How to Choose the Right Spark Plugs for Your Car

6. Washer Fluid Low

What it means: Your windshield washer fluid is running low.
What to do: Refill it to maintain visibility. Simple fix, but important for safety.

7. Fuel Level Low

What it means: You’re nearly out of fuel.
What to do: Fill up soon. Don’t make this a habit — low fuel can wear out your fuel pump.

8. Battery Warning Light

What it means: Your battery isn’t charging. Could be an alternator, battery cable, or voltage issue.
What to do: Turn off electronics, and get it checked ASAP.

9. Coolant Temperature Warning

What it means: Your vehicle's engine is overheating. This could be due to low coolant levels, a faulty cooling system component, or other issues.
What to do: Turn off the engine and let it cool (at least 20 minutes). Check coolant levels and for leaks. Consider professional help if needed.

10. Brake System Warning

What it means: Low brake fluid or a problem with your brakes.
What to do: Pull over and check fluid levels.
🛑 Get high-quality brake pads and fluid to restore braking safety.

11. Parking Brake Warning

What it means: The parking brake is still on, or there's a sensor issue.
What to do: Release the brake. If the light stays on, inspect the system.

12. Door Ajar Warning

What it means: One of your doors, boot, or bonnet isn’t closed properly.
What to do: Check and close all doors before driving.

13. Airbag Warning Light

What it means: There’s a problem with the airbag system.
What to do: Get it checked immediately — airbags may not deploy in a crash.

14. Seatbelt Reminder

What it means: One or more seatbelts aren’t fastened.
What to do: Buckle up for safety.

15. Oil Pressure Warning

What it means: Low oil pressure — extremely dangerous for your engine.
What to do: Stop immediately and check the oil.
🛢️ Replace your oil filter if needed: Shop oil filters

16. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

What it means: At least one tyre is underinflated.
What to do: Inflate all tyres to the correct pressure.
🚗 Low tyre pressure can affect fuel economy and suspension. See suspension parts.

17. Turn Signal Indicator

What it means: Your left or right indicators are active.
What to do: If one blinks faster than usual, a bulb might be out.

18. Low Beam Headlights

What it means: Your dipped headlights are on.
What to do: No action needed.

19. Front Fog Light Indicator

What it means: Your front fog lights are active.
What to do: Use only in foggy conditions.

20. Rear Fog Light Indicator

What it means: Rear fog lights are on.
What to do: Switch them off when visibility improves — they can dazzle drivers behind you.

21. High Beam Indicator

What it means: High beams are on.
What to do: Turn off around other drivers to avoid blinding them.

22. Auto Headlight System

What it means: Your headlights are set to turn on automatically in low light.
What to do: Nothing — enjoy the convenience.

23. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning

What it means: The DPF is clogged. Usually affects diesel vehicles that drive short trips often.
What to do: Drive at 60km/h+ for 15–20 minutes to trigger regen.
🧰 Use diesel fuel system cleaners or get it serviced.

Need Help Identifying a Warning Light or Buying the Right Part?

Whether it’s your spark plugs, oil filter, brake pads or suspension, Peers Auto Spares has the parts and advice you need.

👉 Visit our online store now
📍 Or contact us with your car details — we’re ready to help!

SEO Keywords: dashboard warning lights South Africa, car symbol meanings, check engine light meaning, car oil warning, brake warning light, spark plug issues, Peers Auto Spares

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.