What the dashboard warning lights really mean
There are over 60 dashboard warning lights and indicators that are rather common to most cars. Some of them you see every day, some of them maybe never. It all depends on how well you take care of your car.
Let's do a short quiz. Take a look at the image below and, without looking at the answers we have provided, tell us how many indicators or warning lights have you correctly identified. Post your answer in a comment below. Let the games begin!
Don't feel too bad if you don't know most of the warning lights listed above. The truth is, most drivers cannot identify the majority of them. A study made in Great Britain found that 98 % of drivers don't know all the buttons on their dashboard because cars have become so complex.
Presented with the images of the 16 most common dashboard symbols, 71% of motorists do not recognize a tire pressure warning light with one in 25 thinking it is something to do with the oil or brakes.
Here are all the answers:
1) Fog lights (front)
2) Power steering error
3) Fog lights (back)
4) Windshield fluid warning
5) Brake pads warning
6) Cruise control activated
7) Direction indicators on
8) Rain, light sensor
9) Winter mode for gearbox
10) Information indicator
11) Diesel pre-heat indicator
12) Possible frost
13) Ignition switch warning
14) Key not found in vehicle
15) Key battery low
16) Distance too low to vehicle in front
17) Press clutch pedal
18) Press brake pedal (automatic transmission)
19) Steering locked
20) Main beam headlights
21) Tyre pressure warning
22) Sidelights on
23) Exterior lights warning
24) Brake light warning
25) Diesel particulate filter warning
26) Tow hitch error
27) Air suspension error
28) Lane departure warning
29) Catalytic converter error
30) Seatbelt warning
31) Parking brake light
32) Battery problem detected
33) Parking sensors on
34) Service needed
35) Adaptive lights on
36) Headlights height adjustment
37) Rear spoiler warning
38) Roof error (on convertibles)
39) Airbag problem detected
40) Handbrake on
41) Water in fuel filter detected
42) Airbag turned off
43) Mechanical error
44) Dipped beam headlights
45) Air filter needs replacement
46) Eco driving mode on
47) Hill descent control indicator
48) Engine temperature warning
49) ABS error detected
50) Fuel filter error detected
51) Door(s) open
52) Bonnet open
53) Low fuel warning
54) Automatic gearbox error
55) Speed limiter activated
56) Suspension warning
57) Oil pressure too low warning
58) Windscreen defrost activated
59) Boot open
60) Electronic stability control off
61) Rain sensor activated
62) Engine/emissions warning
63) Rear window defrost on
64) Automatic windscreen wipers on