Don’t Ignore These 7 Dashboard Warning Lights

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You’re driving along, maybe headed to work or out running errands, and then—bam—a light shows up on the dashboard. It’s probably nothing, right?

Actually, it could be something important. Your dashboard warning lights are like your car’s way of waving a flag and saying, “Hey, pay attention!” Some of them are harmless if handled quickly, while others mean you should stop driving immediately.

Let’s go over seven dashboard warning lights you really shouldn’t ignore. Knowing what they mean could save you time, money, and frustration later.

1. Airbag / SRS Warning Light

This one gets ignored more than it should. It usually looks like a person with a round circle in front of them. That circle is supposed to be an airbag.

When this light is on, something’s wrong with the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). That could mean the airbags, seat belt sensors, or other safety systems aren’t working like they should. In short, the parts that protect you in a crash might not do their job.

The cause could be something small, like a loose connector under the seat. But if your car was in an accident—even a minor one—it might have stored crash data or activated sensors that need to be fixed or reset.

You can scan for issues using an OBD2 scanner. It may clear the light temporarily if it’s a soft code. But most scanners can’t reset hard crash codes. For that, you’ll likely need help from a pro. For step-by-step details, here’s how to reset airbag light properly and safely.

2. Check Engine Light

We’ve all seen this one. It’s the most common dashboard warning light, and it can mean a bunch of different things. Maybe your gas cap isn’t tight. Maybe your spark plugs need replacing. Or maybe something much more serious is going on with your engine.

If the light is steady, it usually means the issue isn’t an emergency—but don’t ignore it. If it’s flashing, that’s more urgent and might mean engine misfires or a bigger problem.

You can use an OBD2 scanner to read the trouble code and get a better idea of what’s wrong. In some cases, you can fix it yourself. Other times, it’s best to bring your car in for service.

3. Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light looks like a little oil can with a drop coming out of it. If it shows up, don’t keep driving like everything is fine.

This light means your engine isn’t getting enough oil pressure. That’s a big deal. Oil keeps your engine parts moving smoothly. Without proper oil flow, your engine can overheat or even seize.

As soon as you see this light, pull over and shut off the engine. Check the oil level once the engine has cooled a bit. If it’s low, you may be able to top it off. If it’s full and the light is still on, you’ll need a mechanic to check for leaks or pump issues.

4. Battery Warning Light

The battery icon light signals an issue with your car’s charging system. It doesn’t always mean the battery itself is dead—it could also point to problems with the alternator, wiring, or connections.

If this light turns on while you’re driving, your car might be running on battery power alone. That means it could die suddenly if the alternator isn’t charging it.

If you see this light, try not to use too many electrical features like the AC or radio. Get your car checked out as soon as you can. Replacing a battery is easy. Getting stuck on the side of the road because your alternator gave out isn’t.

5. Engine Temperature Warning Light

This one often shows a thermometer or wavy lines. It tells you that your engine is overheating.

Don’t keep driving if this light comes on. Overheating can ruin an engine quickly. Pull over safely, turn off the engine, and let it cool down. Once it’s cooled, check your coolant level. If it’s low, that could be the cause.

Other possible reasons include a broken water pump, a faulty thermostat, or even a bad radiator fan. Whatever the reason, overheating is serious. Fix it before it turns into a blown head gasket or cracked engine block.

6. Brake System Warning Light

This light may show up as the word “BRAKE,” a circle with an exclamation mark, or a symbol that looks like brake pads. It’s one you never want to ignore.

It could mean something simple, like low brake fluid. But it could also signal a major brake system failure. If your parking brake is even slightly engaged, this light might come on, too.

Try pressing the brake pedal. If it feels soft or goes to the floor, stop driving. You could lose braking power. If it feels fine but the light stays on, check the fluid level. Either way, get it inspected soon. Brakes are something you never want to gamble with.

7. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light

This light usually looks like a flat tire with an exclamation point in the middle. It means one or more of your tires has low air pressure.

Even slightly underinflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency, wear down faster, or cause handling problems. If they’re very low, they could lead to a blowout while driving.

Check your tire pressure using a gauge or your car’s onboard display if it has one. Inflate the tires to the recommended PSI listed on the sticker inside the driver’s door.

Sometimes cold weather causes the pressure to drop slightly, so you might just need a quick top-up. If the light keeps coming back, you may have a slow leak.

Dashboard warning lights aren’t just there to bug you. They’re built to let you know when something needs attention—before it turns into a serious repair.

While some lights are minor and easy to fix, others point to deeper problems that could impact your safety or damage your car. If a warning light pops up, don’t ignore it or cover it with tape. Take a few minutes to figure out what it means. If you’re unsure, a quick scan or visit to a mechanic can make all the difference.

Your car is trying to help you out. It’s a good idea to listen.