Car drivers are only just learning what warning lights on dashboard actually mean

When an unfamiliar symbol lights up on your car dashboard, it can be quite alarming. Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated electronics and warning lights that alert you when something is amiss, helping to prevent a breakdown.

You may have learned what these symbols mean during your theory test, but if you've forgotten, you're not alone. The TikTok account for ETABS Auto Express recently posted an image of various warning lights and their meanings, which left many viewers puzzled.

It's crucial to understand that the warning lights on your dashboard follow a traffic light colour system. If it's green, the system is functioning correctly or is currently in use.

If it's yellow, something isn't working properly, so you should take extra care and try to fix it as soon as possible. If the warning light is red, there is a serious, potentially dangerous problem, and you should stop driving as soon as it's safe to do so.

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In the TikTok video, three green symbols are shown: turn signals, fog lights, and headlights on, indicating that these are functioning correctly. The high beam symbol is blue to distinguish it from the headlights.

Here is a list of the other symbols and what they mean, as per RAC:

• Airbag warning

At least one element of the airbag safety system isn't working correctly.

• Seatbelt not on
• Emergency brake
• Anti-lock brake system warning

ABS is an important safety feature that comes into play when you need to make an abrupt stop, or when driving on icy roads. If this comes on by itself it means you should still have normal, unassisted braking, but you should still get it checked as soon as possible.

If it comes on with a brake warning light, it could mean the brake system is failing, which means you should stop straight away.

• Tire pressure low

• Hazard lights
• Temperature warning
• Door open
• Low fuel
• Low wiper fluid
• Engine warning

This is a telltale sign your engine isn't working properly. It can indicate a number of faults, from minor issues like a broken electrical sensor to a much larger technical issue, such as a fault with your emission control system.

• Glow plug/diesel pre-heat warning

The engine's glow plugs are warming up. It's not recommended to start the engine until this light goes out.

• Oil pressure low

This is a serious warning and you need to stop as soon as you can to top up as needed.

• Winter mode/frost warning
• Traction Control Light/Electronic stability problem (ESP)

If this is flashing the ESP system is intervening, but if it stays on it means it's not working properly. If it's deactivated you will see the word OFF.

• Battery alert light
• Automatic shift lock or engine start indicator light
• Security indicator light
• Lane departure warning light
• Transmission temperature warning light
• Rear window defrost