Drive Smart

Dash Warning Lights - Complete Guide

Red, Amber, Green Dash Warning Light - What do they mean?

You’ll no doubt have noticed every time your start your car, or indeed a rental car that all of the lights on the dash illuminate and then quickly go out, this is all part of the start-up procedure and standard electrical and systems checks the car will do each time it is started. It’s usually quite rare to see any of these lights beyond the start-up, however would you know what any of these lights actually mean should they come on? Most of them are advisory and some will require your immediate attention, whilst some you may have more time to address. Either way, it’s wise to understand what these dashboard warning lights mean and what actions you need to take. This is even more important in a rental car as the lights may differ from your own car and we advise that you contact the rental agent for advice should your rental car display any of the dash warning lights.

dash warning lights *Whilst we’ve gone to every effort to cover the most common dash lights and their standardised format, you should check the owners manual for confirmation or if you unsure as not all manufacturers use the same lights / symbols and some may have additional lights for specific purposes. Not all cars will have all the lights displayed here.

Dash Warning Light Colours

It's reasonable to assume that the colour of the dash light will give you some indication as to the severity or urgency of the information provided. In general, a red dash light indicates a warning and something that requires you attention, an orange / amber light suggests an advisory issue that you should be aware of but not necessarily take immediate action and a white / blue / green light is most often simply for information / confirming an action / function.
 
  • WARNING Dash Lights – These are generally red in colour
  • ADVISORY Dash Lights – These are generally amber in colour
  • INFORMATION Dash Lights – These are general white / blue / green in colour
  • Bonnet open warning symbol in red
  • Boot / Trunk open warning symbol in red
  • Door / doors open warning symbol in red
  • Power steering symbol in red
  • Seatbelt symbol in red
  • Oil pressure warning symbol in red
  • Battery symbol in red
  • Hand brake / parking break symbol in red
  • Air bad symbol in red
  • Low Engine Oil Wanring light in red
  • Battery warning symbol in red
  • Warning symbol in red
  • Brake warning symbol in red
  • Airbag warning symbol in red
  • Car lock symbol in red
  • A/T oil temp symbol in red
  • Hazard warning light symbol in red
  • Brake warning symbol in red
  • Airbag off symbol in red
  • SRS symbol in red
  • Lock symbol in red
  • A/T P symbol in red
  • Brake warning symbol in red
  • Brake pad warning symbol in red
  • brake fluid warning symbol in red
  • Transmission warning symbol in red
  • Transmission temperature warning symbol in red
  • Car key symbol in red
  • Engine Temperature Warning
Bonnet open warning symbol in red
Bonnet Open
Indicates that the vehicles bonnet is open or not secured properly and could open whilst driving.
Advice:
Ensure bonnet is securely closed.
Severity: 7/10
Boot / Trunk open warning symbol in red
Boot Open
Indicates that the vehicles boot / trunk is open or not closed properly amd could open whilst driving.
Advice:
Ensure boot / trunk is securely closed before setting off.
Severity: 3/10
Door / doors open warning symbol in red
Door(s) Open
Indicates that one or more of the vehicle doors is open or not closed properly.
Advice:
Ensure all doors are securely closed before setting off.
Severity: 4/10
Power steering symbol in red
Power Steering
Indicates a fault with the power steering system.
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and seek assistance / diagnosis, sudden loss of power steering will make steering the vehicle very difficult and could cause an accident.
Severity: 8/10
Seatbelt symbol in red
Seat Belt
iIndicates that a seat belt has not been secured for a passenger in the vehicle,.
Advice:
Check all passengers have seatbelts secured before setting off.
Severity: 9/10
Oil pressure warning symbol in red
Oil Pressure
Indicates that the oil pressure is low.
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do and check oil level or seek assistance / diagnosis. Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause significant damage to the engine.
Severity: 7/10
Battery symbol in red
Battery
Indicates a fault with the battery if light does not go out after ignition, likely low charge.
Advice:
Re-charge / replace battery if confirmed that battery is faulty / beyond its design life.
Severity: 4/10
Hand brake / parking break symbol in red
Hand Brake / Park Brake
Indicates the hand brake / park brake is on.
Advice:
Release hand / park brake before setting off.
Severity: 1/10
Air bad symbol in red
Air Bag
Indicates a fault with the airbag system.
Advice:
Seek assistance / diagnosis at the earliest opportunity.
Severity: 9/10
Low Engine Oil Wanring light in red
Low Engine Oil
Indicates the engine oil level is low.
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and top up oil to correct level, or seek assistance. Running the engine with low oil can cause significant damage to the engine.
Severity: 7/10
Battery warning symbol in red
Battery
Indicates a fault with the main battery if light does not go out after ignition, likely low charge.
Advice:
Re-charge / replace battery if confirmed that battery is faulty / beyond its design life.
Severity: 4/10
Warning symbol in red
Warning
Indicates a general warning
Advice:
Navigate the cars onboard computer / information system to identify the fault and address accordingly.
Severity: 9/10
Brake warning symbol in red
Brake Warning
indicates a fault with the braking system.
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and seek assistance / diagnosis for immediate repair.
Severity: 9/10
Airbag warning symbol in red
Air Bag
Indicates a fault with the airbag system.
Advice:
Seek assistance / diagnosis at the earliest opportunity.
Severity: 9/10
Car lock symbol in red
Car Lock
Indicates that the vehicle is locked
Advice:
Unlock the car if required. If battery has failed in keyfob, use manual key override.
Severity: 1/10
A/T oil temp symbol in red
A/T Oil Temp
Indicates that the automatic transmission oil temperature is high.
Advice:
You should stop the vehicle when safe to do so and seek assistance / diagnosis as could cause sigfinicant damage to the gearbox
Severity: 8/10
Hazard warning light symbol in red
Hazard Lights
Indicates that the vehicles hazard warning lights are on.
Advice:
Turn off hazard warning lights when no longer required.
Severity: 1/10
Brake warning symbol in red
Brake Warning
Indicates a fault with the braking system.
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and seek assistance / diagnosis for immediate repair.
Severity: 9/10
Airbag off symbol in red
Airbag Off
Indicates that an airbag has been switched off manually.
Advice:
When travelling with baby seats in the front passenger seat of a vehicle, the airbag for the passenger should be disabled, ensure you re-enable it when the child is not travelling in the front seat.
Severity: 8/10
SRS symbol in red
SRS
Indicates a fault with the SRS (supplementary restraint system) more commonly known as air bag system
Advice:
Seek immediate assistance / diagnosis. The SRS is an essential part of the cars safety devices in the event of a crash
Severity: 9/10
Lock symbol in red
Locked
Indicates that the vehicle is locked
Advice:
Unlock vehicle when required.
Severity: 1/10
A/T P symbol in red
A/T P
Indicates the 4WD system is in neutral. Can also indicate a fault with the park gear in automatic transmission.
Advice:
Seek assistance / diagnosis, ensure hand / parking brake is applied securely in case of fauly with park gear.
Severity: 7/10
Brake warning symbol in red
Brake Warning
Indicates a fault with the vehicle braking system.
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and seek assistance / diagnosis for immediate repair.
Severity: 9/10
Brake pad warning symbol in red
Brake Pad
Indicates a fault with the brake pads, most likely that they are wearing low and require replacement.
Advice:
Check brake pad wear and have replaced at earliest opportunity.
Severity: 9/10
brake fluid warning symbol in red
Brake Fluid
Indicates the brake fluid level is low.
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do and seek assistance / diagnosis. If possible, top up brake fluid using correct specification fluid to required level.
Severity: 8/10
Transmission warning symbol in red
Transmission
Indicates a fault with the transmission / gearbox.
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and seek assistange / diagnosis.
Severity: 7/10
Transmission temperature warning symbol in red
Transmission Temperature
Indicates that the transmission / gearbox temperature is high.
Advice:
,Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and seek asisstance / diagnosis.
Severity: 7/10
Car key symbol in red
Secuirty
Indicates the vehicle key is required or another fault with the vehicles security system
Advice:
Insert key into ignition to start vehicle.
Severity: 1/10
Engine Temperature Warning
Engine Temperature Warning

DASHBOARD ADVISORY LIGHTS - AMBER

Dashboard advisory lights are usually coloured Amber (or orange / yellow) and whilst generally considered less important than dash warning lights in red, it’s still wise to know your ‘low washer fluid’ symbol from your ‘traction control de-activated’. Whilst both require attention, it’s far less likely that being low or empty of washer fluid could have such serious implications as your traction control system being de-activated. Our favourite of all the dash advisory lights has to be the turtle. This doesn’t mean you have a turtle in the car, rather the car is low on electric power and needs charging, naturally you’ll only see this on electric vehicles.

  • Low screen wash fluid symbol in orange
  • Engine check symbol in orange
  • Engine check symbol in orange
  • Electric charging symbol in orange
  • Charging symbol in orange
  • Warning symbol in orange
  • PCS symbol in orange
  • Tranmission warning symbol in orange
  • Service indicator symbol in orange
  • Jack / Ramp symbol in orange
  • Low engine oil symbol in orange
  • A/T oil temp symbol in orange
  • Information symbol in orange
  • Oil level symbol in orange
  • Warning symbol in orange
  • Side air bag symbol in orange
  • glow plug symbol in orange
  • Brake warning symbol in orange
  • ESP warning light in orange
  • ABS warning light in orange
  • RBS warning light in orange
  • Brake pad warning symbol in orange
  • Regenerative brake force symbol in orange
  • Press brake pedal symbol in orange
  • Brake warning symbol in orange
  • Water in fuel symbol in orange
  • TPMS warning symbol in orange
  • TPMS warning symbol in orange
  • DPF warning symbol in orange
  • TCS symbol in orange
  • TCS symbol in orange
  • TCS off symbol in orange
  • TCS symbol in orange
  • Car key symbol in orange
  • Towing symbol in orange
  • 4x2 symbol in orange
  • 4WD symbol in orange
  • 4x4 Auto symbol in orange
  • 4x4 High symbol in orange
  • 4x4 Low symbol in orange
  • Centre Differential Lock symbol in orange
  • Rear Differential Lock symbol in orange
  • Rear Differential Lock symbol in orange
  • Differential Lock symbol in orange
  • Power limitation indicator symbol in orange
  • Parking sensor symbol in orange
  • Lane assist symbol in orange
  • Start/stop symbol in orange
  • Low Fuel warning light in orange
  • Fog light symbol in orange
  • Traction Control Fault Light
  • Cruise Control
Low screen wash fluid symbol in orange
Washer Fluid
Indicates that the vehicle is low on screen wash fluid.
Advice:
Top up screen wash as soon as possible to maintain ability to keep windscreen clear.
Severity: 4/10
Engine check symbol in orange
Engine Check
Indicates that the main beam / full beam headlights are on
Advice:
Use main / full beam when appropriate taking precautions not to dazzle on coming drivers.
Severity: 4/10
Engine check symbol in orange
Engine Check
Indicates fault with engine.
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and seek assistance / diagnosis.
Severity: 8/10
Electric charging symbol in orange
Electric Charging
Indicates that the vehicle is connected to electrical charging station
Advice:
Disconnect from the charging station when appropriate.
Severity: 1/10
Charging symbol in orange
Charging
Indicates that the vehicle is connected to electrical charging station
Advice:
Disconnect from charging station when required.
Severity: 1/10
Warning symbol in orange
Warning
Indicates a warning
Advice:
Navigate the cars onboard computer / information system to identify the fault and address accordingly.
Severity: 7/10
PCS symbol in orange
PCS
Indicates a fault with the vehicle PCS system.
Advice:
Stop the car when safe to do and seek breakdown assistance / diagnosis.
Severity: 6/10
Tranmission warning symbol in orange
Transmission
Indicates a fault with the transmission / gearbox.
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and seek assistange / diagnosis.
Severity: 7/10
Service indicator symbol in orange
Service
Indicates that the vehicle is due for a service.
Advice:
Contact service centre to book scheduled maintenance.
Severity: 3/10
Jack / Ramp symbol in orange
Jack / Ramp
Indicaes that the vehicle is on a ramp / jack system
Advice:
No action required.
Severity: 3/10
Low engine oil symbol in orange
Low Engine Oil
Indicates low engine oil.
Advice:
Check engine oil level and top up with correct specification oil as required. Running the engine with low engine oil can cause significant damage to the engine.
Severity: 7/10
A/T oil temp symbol in orange
A/T Oil Temp
Indicates that the automatic transmission oil termperature is high.
Advice:
Seek assistance / diagnosis asap as could result in significant damage to the automatic transmission.
Severity: 8/10
Information symbol in orange
Information
Indicates an issue that requires attention.
Advice:
Navigate the vehicles onboard computer / information to identify the issue and address accordingly.
Severity: 4/10
Oil level symbol in orange
Oil Level
Indicates the oil level is outside of the recommended parameters.
Advice:
Check engine oil level manually, if low, top up with correct specification oil to correct level, if high seem assistance to have drained.
Severity: 7/10
Warning symbol in orange
Warning
Indicates a warning
Advice:
Navigate the cars onboard computer / information system to identify the fault and address accordingly.
 
Severity: 7/10
Side air bag symbol in orange
Side air bag
Indicates a fault with the side air bag.
Advice:
Seek assistance / diagnosis to ensure airbag system is fully functional as it provides a vital part of the cars safety features.
Severity: 9/10
glow plug symbol in orange
Glow Plug
Indicates the vehicles glow plugs are in opertion (diesel vehicles only)
Advice:
Diesel engines require the fuel to be pre-warmed before starting, if the light stays on there is a fault with the glow plugs and may need replacing.
Severity: 4/10
Brake warning symbol in orange
Brake Warning
Indicates a fault with the vehicles braking system.
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and seek assistance / diagnosis to ensure the braking system is fully operational.
Severity: 9/10
ESP warning light in orange
ESP Warning
Indicates a fault with the vehicles ESP (electronic stability program)
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and seek assitance / diagnosis. The ESP is an important part of the cars safety systems.
Severity: 7/10
ABS warning light in orange
ABS Warning
Indicates a fault with the vehicles ABS (anti-lock braking system)
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and seek assistance / diagnosis, the ABS system is a vital safety feature on the vehicle.
Severity: 9/10
RBS warning light in orange
RBS Warning
Indicates a fault with the RBS (Recuperative Brake System), applicable to hybrid vehciles only
Advice:
Schedule maintenance to have the RBS system inspected / repaired as necessary.
Severity: 7/10
Brake pad warning symbol in orange
Brake Pad
Indicates a fault with the brake pads, most likely that they are wearing low and require replacement
Advice:
Book maintenance for the vehicle to have brake pads checked / replaced if necessary.
Severity: 7/10
Regenerative brake force symbol in orange
Regenerative Brake Force
Indicates when the regenerative brake force has declined.
Advice:
Schedule maintenance to have the system checked, reduced battery charge (hybrid only) likely.
Severity: 3/10
Press brake pedal symbol in orange
Press Brake Pedal
Indicates the brake pedal must be pushed to start the engine.
Advice:
Push the brake pedal to start the engine (only applicable to automatic transmission vehicles).
Severity: 1/10
Brake warning symbol in orange
Brake Warning
Indicates a fault with the vehicles braking system.
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and seek assistance / diagnosis to ensure the vehicles braking system is operating correctly.
Severity: 9/10
Water in fuel symbol in orange
Water in Fuel
Indicates water in the fuel.
Advice:
Diesel vehicles are equipped with separators that remove water from the fuel, this symbol could indicate a fault with the separator or indicate contaminated fuel.
Severity: 6/10
TPMS warning symbol in orange
TPMS
Indicates a change in tyre pressure has been detected by the TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system)
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and check tyre pressures or for signs of puncture / foreign object in tyre. Fit spare / deploy tyre repair system if confident to do so or seek assitance.
Severity: 7/10
TPMS warning symbol in orange
TPMS
Indicates a change in tyre pressure has been detected by the TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system)
Advice:
Stop the vehicle when safe to do so and check tyre pressures or for signs of puncture / foreign object in tyre. Fit spare / deploy tyre repair system if confident to do so or seek assitance.
Severity: 7/10
DPF warning symbol in orange
DPF
Indicates a fault with the DPF (diesel particulate filter)
Advice:
Book maintenance for the vehicle to have the DPF inspected / replaced where necessary. The DPF prevents harmful emissions escaping into the atmosphere.
Severity: 3/10
TCS symbol in orange
TCS
Indicates the vehicles TCS (traction control system) has been activated.
Advice:
Adjust your driving to suit the conditions, if light remains on, seek diagnosis and could indicate a fault with the system.
Severity: 6/10
TCS symbol in orange
TCS
Indicates the vehicles TCS (traction control system) has been activated
Advice:
Adjust driving style to suit conditions.
Severity: 4/10
TCS off symbol in orange
TCS OFF
Indicates the vehicles TCS (traction control system) has be deactivated
Advice:
Reactivate TCS when appropriate, the traction control system provides an essential part of the vehicles safety features.
Severity: 7/10
TCS symbol in orange
TCS
Indicates the vehicles TCS (traction control system) has been activated
Advice:
Adjust driving style to suit conditions.
Severity: 4/10
Car key symbol in orange
Key
Indicates the vehicle key is required or another fault with the vehicles security system
Advice:
Insert the car key into ignition to start the vehicle.
Severity: 2/10
Towing symbol in orange
Trailer
Indicates the vehicle is towing
Advice:
Take extra care when towing.
Severity: 4/10
4x2 symbol in orange
4x2
Indicates that a 4WD capable vehicle is in 4x2 mode (2WD)
Advice:
No action required
Severity: 1/10
4WD symbol in orange
4WD
Indicates the vehicle is in 4WD mode
Advice:
No action required.
Severity: 1/10
4x4 Auto symbol in orange
4x4 Auto
Indicates the vehicle is in automatic 4WD mode
Advice:
No actions required.
Severity: 1/10
4x4 High symbol in orange
4x4 High
Indicates the vehicle is in 4x4 High gear mode
Advice:
No actions required.
4x4 Low symbol in orange
4x4 Low
Indicates the vehicle is in 4x4 Low gear mode
Advice:
No action required.
Severity: 1/10
Centre Differential Lock symbol in orange
Centre Differential Lock
Indicates center differential lock (or 4Hi/Lo) indicator
Advice:
No action required.
Severity: 1/10
Rear Differential Lock symbol in orange
Rear Differential Lock
Indicates rear differential lock indicator
Advice:
No action required
Severity: 1/10
Rear Differential Lock symbol in orange
Rear Differential Lock
Indicates rear differential lock indicator
Advice:
No action required
Severity: 1/10
Differential Lock symbol in orange
Differential Lock
Indicates differential lock indicator
Advice:
No action required.
Severity: 1/10
Power limitation indicator symbol in orange
Power Limitation Indicator
Indicates that electic power is limited, only found on electric / hybrid vehciles
Advice:
If warning light shows unexpectedly, schedule maintenance to have the electric / hybrid system inspected.
Severity: 3/10
Parking sensor symbol in orange
Parking Sensor
Indicates the parking sensor (front or rear) is in operation
Advice:
Take note of parking sensor frequency to avoid collision when parking / reversing. A solid tone means the proximity to an external object is critical.
Severity: 2/10
Lane assist symbol in orange
Lane Assist
Indicates the lane assist function is in operation
Advice:
Maintain concentration when driving, if feeling tired then stop and take a break.
Severity: 2/10
Start/stop symbol in orange
Start / Stop
Indicates the vehicles automatic start / stop system is in operation
Advice:
No action required, continue to drive as normal and the engine will start and stop as required to reduce emissions.
Severity: 1/10
Low Fuel warning light in orange
Low Fuel
Indicates low fuel.
Advice:
Visit your nearest petrol station and re-fuel. The vehicle range on low fuel ranges from 10-50 miles typically.
Severity: 4/10
Fog light symbol in orange
Fog Light
Indicates the vehicle fog lights are on
Advice:
Ensure fog lights are switched off when conditions improve as foglights can dazzle other road users.
Severity: 3/10
Traction Control Fault Light
Traction Control Fault Light
Indicates a fault with the traction control system
Advice:
Schedule maintenance to diagnose / recitfy fault, drive with caution in the interim.
Severity: 6/10
Cruise Control
Cruise Control
Indicates the cruise control is in operation.
Advice:
No action required, cruise control will automatically deactivate when the throttle / brake / clutch is engaged.
Severity: 1/10

DASHBOARD INFORMATION LIGHTS - BLUE / GREEN / WHITE

Dash board information lights are just that, for information. It’s rare that you’ll have cause for concern if you see any of the dash symbols below, however you still need to be aware what they mean and why they might display. For instance, the high beam (main beam) dash symbol indicates that you have switched on the main beam headlights, which is great for you to see as far ahead as possible in the dark, however very dazzling for oncoming driver which could lead to an accident. If using main beam, it’s important to switch them off again for oncoming traffic. Other dashboard information symbols of note include the ECO mode symbol, many modern cars will have an eco mode or recommended shift light to maximise economy both reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

  • Air Flow Upper Car Symbol in white.
  • Air Flow Lower Car Symbol in white.
  • Air Flow Upper and Lower Car Symbol in white.
  • On symbol in white
  • Off symbol in white
  • Fresh air ventilation symbol in white.
  • Indicator symbol in white
  • Side lights symbol in white
  • Main beam symbol in white
  • Dipped beam symbol in white
  • Fog light symbol in white
  • Indicator symbol in green
  • Air flow recirculation symbol in white
  • Rear window defrost symbol in white
  • Screenwash symbol in white
  • Window Wiper Symbol in White
  • Fan symbol in white
  • Full beam symbol in blue
  • Engine start stop symbol in green
  • Interior light symbol in green
  • Car charging symbol in green
  • Interior light warning in green
  • Car Key symbol in green
  • EV mode symbol in green
  • Side lights symbol in green
  • Coolant symbol in blue
  • Full beam symbol in green
  • Self levelling headlight symbol in green
  • Automatic park brake symbol in green
  • Car key symbol in green
  • Directional headlight symbol in green
  • Fog light symbol in green
  • Parking sensor symbol in green
  • Eco mode symbol in green
  • Eco mode symbol in green
  • Shift light symbol in green
Air Flow Upper Car Symbol in white.
Air Flow Upper
Indicates direction of airflow inside the vehicle, upper airflow blows air from upper air vents towards body and face
Advice:
Redirect airflow as required.
Severity: 1/10
Air Flow Lower Car Symbol in white.
Air Flow Lower
Indicates direction of airflow inside the vehicle, lower airlow blows air from lower air vents within footwell to feet
Advice:
Redirect airflow as required.
Severity: 1/10
Air Flow Upper and Lower Car Symbol in white.
Air Flow Upper and Lower
Indicates direction of airflow inside the vehicle, even distribution to upper and lower air vents
Advice:
Redirect airflow as required.
Severity: 1/10
On symbol in white
On
Indicates function is on
Advice:
Check relevant function is no longer required.
Severity: 1/10
Off symbol in white
Off
Indicates function is off
Advice:
Check relevant function is no longer required.
Severity: 1/10
Fresh air ventilation symbol in white.
Fresh Air Ventilation
Indicates that ventilation system is using fresh air and not recirculating internal air from the vehicle
Advice:
Use fresh air when need to warm air quickly is not required.
Severity: 2/10
Indicator symbol in white
Indicator
Indicates direction of indicator (left or right), sometimes called direction indicator or blinkers
Advice:
Use indicators to signal intended change of direction, ensure indicators are left on once maneouvre complete as not to confuse other road users.
Severity: 2/10
Side lights symbol in white
Side Lights
Indicates that the vehicles side lights are on
Advice:
Use the appropriate headlight setting to suit the driving conditions.
Severity: 3/10
Main beam symbol in white
Main Beam
Indicates that the vehicles main beam is on
Advice:
Only use full / main beam lights when required taking care not to dazzle oncoming traffic.
Severity: 4/10
Dipped beam symbol in white
Dipped Beam
Indicates that the vehicles dipped beam is on
Advice:
Use headlights on appropriate setting for conditions.
Severity: 2/10
Fog light symbol in white
Fog Light
Indicates that the vehicles fog light(s) is on.
Advice:
Use foglights when conditions require. Ensure you switch off fog lights when no longer required to avoid dazzling other road users.
Severity: 5/10
Indicator symbol in green
Indicator
Indicates direction of indicator (left or right), sometimes called direction indicator or blinkers
Advice:
Use indicators to signal intended change of direction, ensure indicators are left on once maneouvre complete as not to confuse other road users.
Severity: 2/10
Air flow recirculation symbol in white
Recirculate
Indicates that the vehicles ventilation system is recirculating air from within the vehicle, suitable when particularly cold outside.
Advice:
Switch to fresh air ventilation when appropriate.
Severity: 2/10
Rear window defrost symbol in white
Rear Windor Defrost
Indicates the rear window defrost / heater function is in operation
Advice:
Turn off rear window defrost / heater when no longer required.
Severity: 2/10
Screenwash symbol in white
Screenwash
Indicates the screen wash function
Advice:
Use screen wash regularly to ensure a clear view of the road ahead (and behind)
Severity: 3/10
Window Wiper Symbol in White
Window Wiper
Indicates the windscreen wipers are in operation.
Advice:
Use the correct window wiper setting to suit the conditions
Severity: 2/10
Fan symbol in white
Fan
Indicates that the internal ventilation / fan is in operation.
Advice:
Use internal ventilation / fan system to suit requirements.
Severity: 1/10
Full beam symbol in blue
Full Beam
Indicates that the full / main beam hedlights are on.
Advice:
Only use full / main beam lights when required taking care not to dazzle oncoming traffic.
Severity: 4/10
Engine start stop symbol in green
Engine Stop
Indicates the engine start / stop function is in operation.
Advice:
Continue as normal, the engine will restart automatically when required.
Severity: 2/10
Interior light symbol in green
Interior Light
Indicates that the vehicles interior lights are on.
Advice:
Ensure interior lights are switched off when not required to avoid a flat battery
Severity: 2/10
Car charging symbol in green
Charging
Indicates that the vehicle is connected to electrical charging station
Advice:
Disconnect electric charging when required.
Severity: 1/10
Interior light warning in green
Interior Light
Indicates that an interior light is on.
Advice:
Ensure interior lights are switched off when not required to avoid a flat battery
Severity: 2/10
Car Key symbol in green
Car Key
Indicates the vehicle key is in the ignition
Advice:
Remove the key from ignition when leaving / locking the car.
Severity: 1/10
EV mode symbol in green
EV
Indicates the vehicle is is EV (electric vehicle) mode.
Advice:
No action required.
Severity: 1/10
Side lights symbol in green
Side Lights
Indicates that the sidelights are on.
Advice:
Use the appropriate headlight setting for the conditions.
Severity: 1/10
Coolant symbol in blue
Coolant
Indicates the vehicles coolant system is too cold
Advice:
Seek assistance / diagnosis to ensure the coolant system is functioning properly. Check coolant levels in expansion tank under bonnet.
Severity: 2/10
Full beam symbol in green
Full Beam
Indicates the vehicles full beam lights are on
Advice:
Only use full / main beam lights when required taking care not to dazzle oncoming traffic.
Severity: 4/10
Self levelling headlight symbol in green
Self levelling Headlights
Indicates the self levelling headlights are on.
Advice:
No action required.
Severity: 1/10
Automatic park brake symbol in green
Auto Park Brake
Indicates the vehicles automatic park brake is in operation.
Advice:
Continue to drive as normal and the brake will automatically release when required.
Severity: 2/10
Car key symbol in green
Security
Indicates the vehicle key is required or another fault with the vehicles security system
Advice:
Insett key into ignition to start vehicle.
Severity: 1/10
Directional headlight symbol in green
Directional Headlights
Indicates the vehicles automatic directional headlights are in operation
Advice:
No action required.
Severity: 1/10
Fog light symbol in green
Fog Light
Indicates the fog lights are on
Advice:
Ensure fog lights are switched off when conditions improve as foglights can dazzle other road users.
Severity: 3/10
Parking sensor symbol in green
Parking Sensor
Indicates the parking sensor (front or rear) is in operation
Advice:
Take note of parking sensor frequency to avoid collision when parking / reversing. A solid tone means the proximity to an external object is critical.
Severity: 2/10
Eco mode symbol in green
Eco Mode
Indicates the vehicle is in ECO mode
Advice:
No action required.
Severity: 1/10
Eco mode symbol in green
Eco Mode
Indicates the vehicle is in ECO mode
Advice:
No action required.
Severity: 1/10
Shift light symbol in green
Shift light
Indicates the recommended gear shift to optimise fuel economy
Advice:
Shift gear either up or down as directed where appropriate / conditions permit.
Severity: 2/10

World Driving Guides

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Handy Guides

Visitor Comments

  • 07/03/2020

    Paul Schoberg

    Great site! We're preparing for a European trip and found the information on your site to be very helpful. One thing we would have liked to see is any information about turning right on red after stop. We do that in the US all the time, but what about ... UK? Denmark? Australia?