8 Car Indicator Lights and Their Meanings You Must Know as a Driver!
Car indicator lights serve to provide drivers with information about the vehicle's and engine's condition while driving.
With indicator lights located on the car dashboard, drivers can also detect damaged components that must be replaced immediately to avoid more serious damage to the vehicle.
8 Car Indicator Lights and Their Meanings You Must Know as a Driver!
In general, indicator lights are represented through symbols that illustrate specific problems. Therefore, it is important to understand the meaning behind these symbols. Check out the following list!
1. Engine Temperature Warning
A light shaped like a thermometer or radiator, usually glowing red, indicates that the engine temperature has exceeded the normal limit or is overheating.
If this happens, you can check the car’s cooling components, such as the coolant and the radiator fan.
2. Battery Warning
If a battery icon appears on the dashboard, this light may indicate a problem with the car's battery, such as a broken connection, a weak battery, or a short circuit in the cables.
When this light comes on, it is essential to visit a repair shop immediately to ensure the electrical system is functioning properly. If ignored, the car may shut down and fail to start.
3. Oil Pressure Warning
The old-fashioned oil can recognize the oil pressure warning light symbol with oil dripping from its spout.
This light indicates insufficient engine lubrication or that the oil needs to be replaced soon.
It may also signal a leak or damage to the oil pump that requires immediate repair.
4. Engine Temperature Warning
The brake warning light, marked with an exclamation mark inside a circle, usually lights up when the handbrake is still engaged.
If the handbrake is released but the light remains on, it could indicate a problem in the braking system, such as low hydraulic pressure or brake fluid that is nearly empty.
5. Check Engine Light
Next, if an engine symbol appears on the dashboard, it may indicate a problem with the car’s vital engine system.
What you need to do is keep calm and don’t need to be panic. This light indicator can also turn on due to minor issues, such as a loose fuel cap. To be sure, have the car checked at the nearest repair shop.
6. Steering Lock Indicator
A steering lock wheel symbol usually comes with a glowing red color, indicating that the steering is locked. When this light comes on, the steering wheel cannot be moved.
This could be caused by several factors, such as the key not being in the proper position, an issue with the steering lock system, or simply forgetting to turn the key to the ignition position.
7. Seat Belt Indicator
The seat belt indicator, depicted by an icon of a person wearing a seat belt, indicates that the driver or passengers have not properly fastened their seatbelts.
The solution for this is simple: just fasten the seatbelt correctly to turn off the warning light.
8. Power Steering Indicator
The power steering indicator light, illustrated with a steering wheel and an exclamation mark beside it, signals a problem with the car’s power steering system that must be resolved immediately.
When this light turns on, the steering wheel will feel heavier, indicating it’s time to take the car to the nearest repair shop for inspection.
Apart from the 8 indicator lights above, there are still many other dashboard warning lights you may encounter, such as the parking brake indicator, master warning indicator, distance warning, and even the airbag warning light. Hopefully, this information is useful!
*PT Lippo General Insurance Tbk is licensed and supervised by Financial Services Authority (OJK)
