The most important dashboard lights: what is your car trying to tell you?

Fortunately, modern cars are equipped with very informative dashboards that inform about the slightest deviation from the norm with warning lights and notes. Let’s look at one of the most popular models – Škoda Octavia. You turn the ignition key (or press the START button), turn on the ignition, and at least 10 lights come on immediately.

If all goes well, soon almost all of them will turn off, the car’s computer shows no errors. If the yellow warning lights remain on, contact an authorized workshop. If it is red – STOP, it is not recommended to continue driving.

The most important dashboard lights: what is your car trying to tell you?

Cold engine. Very often, especially in winter, the blue (or yellow) “thermometer” symbol remains lit, informing that the coolant has not yet reached the optimal temperature. Service technicians recommend not fully depressing the accelerator because the engine oil has not yet reached operating temperature. And if this symbol lights up bright red, the cooling system is not working efficiently, you can overheat the engine.

Check the engine. In some models the “Check engine” writing lights up. Others have the engine symbol. This note is very important, but in very rare cases it means that you cannot drive to the garage. Very often it warns of the failure of the EGR valve (in diesel engines), problems with the injection or exhaust system, problems with some important sensors. In some cases even a gearbox failure (if there is no separate warning light for the DSG).

The best solution is computer diagnostics in a professional service. True, if you drive in this mode, the car may go into emergency mode – it will move, but some functions may not work, the engine will generate less power.

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. The classic meaning of this light bulb signal is a reduced voltage in the electric current circuit. In general, perhaps the battery is discharged (a common phenomenon in winter), the generator belt is worn (which is why it slips and does not transmit the necessary torque to the generator. If the belt is faulty and there is a loud noise, if you have not heard anything strange, you should check the brushes of the generator for service.

Lubricant. Many models have two warning lights: oil pressure and oil level (a funnel with a wave at the bottom or the word MIN). If the yellow light only warns of a dropping oil level, stop and look for the cause, perhaps a leaking hose or gasket. If the red “funnel” light is on, things are bad, you will not find the fault yourself.

Brakes. An illuminated ABS or similar yellow light symbolizing brakes (usually with an exclamation point or the word BRAKE) may indicate a faulty sensor or electronic failure in the brake system. For example, uneven distribution of braking force.

Reduce speed, gently check if the brake system still works. And go to the service (if the light is not red). The smallest malfunction that the car warns about in this way is worn brake pads (in most cases, a warning light with an exclamation mark). Such a signal can also warn of problems with the power steering system (in some cases, the steering wheel symbol with an exclamation mark).

Airbags. It would seem what is this. Maybe once again some sensor detected humidity in winter? Take this sign seriously. Otherwise, if the safety system is not activated in the moment of danger, you will risk your life and that of your loved ones. So the signs RSCA OFF, SRS, AIR BAG or the image of a crossed passenger mean that “it’s time to consult a doctor or pharmacist” – turn to a serious service.

Yellow spiral. There may also be multiple faults associated with a lit coil bulb. We distinguish different situations:

– in normal mode, when the ignition is switched on, this warning light comes on until the glow plugs heat up, then goes off;

– if it does not go out it means that one or more glow plugs are faulty;

– if it flashes it can indicate various anomalies related to the EGR or the engine control unit.

Catalyst. “Muffler with dots inside” badge. It means that the catalyst, or rather the DPF filter, is clogged and must be burned, that is, travel a certain distance at a certain constant speed.

Tyres. Exclamation mark with tire profile symbol: The air pressure in the tires has dropped dangerously, take urgent measures, it is unsafe to drive.

Security systems. Many modern cars are equipped with electronic safety or driver assistance systems. For example, lane keeping or lane departure warning systems. Or a “blind spot” warning system. So if the BSM OFF light is on it means that you have disconnected the “blind spot” system or it is simply on strike.