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What Your Dashboard Lights Mean

Safety6 tips

Those little icons on the dashboard are the car talking to you. Some mean check it soon and some mean stop now. Here is how to tell them apart.

6 tips

Red lights mean stop or fix now: oil pressure, temperature, brake system, and battery. If one comes on while driving, pull over safely and check it.
Amber or yellow lights mean caution: check-engine, ABS, tire pressure, and traction control. You can usually drive to a shop, but do not ignore them for weeks.
Green and blue lights are just information: headlights, high beams, turn signals, and cruise control. They tell you a system is on.
The oil pressure light is the most urgent one. If it comes on, stop the engine as soon as it is safe. Driving without oil pressure destroys an engine in minutes.
The tire pressure light often comes on in cold weather because pressure drops as it gets colder. Check the pressure with a gauge; do not just reset the light.
If a light stays on after you fix the problem, it may need a few drives to clear, or a scan tool to reset. If it comes back, the problem is still there.

Not repair advice. If you are not sure what is wrong, have it checked by a qualified technician.