Not knowing what is wrong with a car based on the warnings it gives is an issue many have. Most people just look up what each light means when it pops on, which can often produce unclear or unrelated answers. To eliminate this issue, one could simply become more knowledgeable about what each light means to make the whole process a little bit less confusing. This could also solve future problems of not having any internet connection when the light pops up
Unknown to most, the lights that pop actually have colors to represent how imperative it is that the issue is fixed. Red means that it is super important, and the car should not be driven while there is something wrong in that specific area of the vehicle. Yellow or orange (depending on the car) is something that should be fixed soon, but it is not necessary to pull the car over when driving.
The colors green or blue are usually just there to state that something is on or working correctly, for example, when the car’s headlights are on. It could also mean there is something very minor wrong, but that is generally not the case.
The symbols may vary in appearance a little bit, seeing as there are tons of different cars, and it would be very hard to list all the specific designs for each of them. They should be somewhat the same, as there is usually a general design for these things.
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Steering wheel with an !
This particular light means that there is an issue within the steering system, though it is usually just that the car is low on power steering fluid.
Circle with ! on the inside, possibly the letters ABS instead
If this light pops on, that means there is some sort of problem with the braking system. Usually it is something along the lines of an issue with the Anti-lock braking system (ABS), there isn’t enough brake fluid, or just simply that your braking system is failing.
DRL
This little abbreviation will pop up when the car has a daytime running light (DRL) out. A DRL is like a headlight, only it runs while the headlights are not on and also happens to help with the car’s brights.
Circle with an “I” in it
This is not common among the majority of cars, but it just means the car has something little wrong with it, like for example, having a burnt out tail light.
Triangle with something in it (for example an exclamation mark)
This light doesn’t often pop up, but it means something is just generally wrong with the car that doesn’t have a specific light. It is almost the same as the circle with an I, only this one tends to be more serious.
VSA
VSA stands for Vehicle Stability Assist, and usually means issues with traction or control, which would be a big problem when turning.
Wrenches
Wrench with Circle or gear
This particular light usually deals with issues like transmission fluid leaks, slipping clutches, or a damaged differential
Wrench with an exclamation mark
Not too helpful when it comes to specifics, this symbol just means there is a general engine or transmission issue.
Straight up a Wrench
Unlike the other wrenches, this isn’t too serious and just means the car needs a common service like an oil change, rotation of tires, the powertrain/electric throttle is going out, it depends a lot on the type of car.
Most Common lights
The letters TPMS or a flat tire symbol
Most can figure out the flat tire symbol, but some cars get fancy and pop up with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light. The flat tire symbol will pop up whenever one tire is 25% less than it should be. People can usually find how much they should fill their tires on a sticker that resides on the doorframe of the driver’s door.
Thermometer with gear around it
Anyone could probably guess that this light means temperature issues, but to be more specific it is usually high transmission temperature, or the fuel that goes into the transmission is too hot.
Thermometer with wavy water like lines
Being pretty common, this simply means that the engine on the car is too hot. Before going to a mechanic, the coolant level should be checked as that could be why the engine is too hot.
Person with an airbag
This light is pretty self explanatory, it just means that the car has a malfunctioning airbag or the airbag has been disabled.
Engine looking one
This simply means that the engine has some sort of issue and cannot function properly for long. In most cases, the issue is with the spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, or oxygen sensors.
Battery light or words ALT/GEN
This usually means the car’s battery is not charging right or at all, but it could also be a possible alternator/Generator issue.
Oil tin thingy
This usually means that the car needs more oil or that the oil is not properly getting to where it needs to be.
Gas tank
One can only hope everybody knows this one, but it means the car needs more fuel. What someone might not know is that it turns on when there are two gallons of gas or less in the car.
Hopefully, now having a general sense of what each symbol represents will come in handy at some point. For most, it definitely will be helpful for working out the issue that is being presented. Whether that means bringing the car to a mechanic or putting some air in the tires, it may now be fixed as soon as possible.
