Deciphering Your Car's Language
Modern cars are incredibly smart. They constantly monitor thousands of parameters, from engine temperature to tyre rotation speed. When something goes wrong, they try to tell you—but often in hieroglyphics.
Here is a guide to the most common dashboard symbols and, crucially, how urgently you need to act.
The Colour Code Just like traffic lights, dashboard warning colours indicate urgency: * **🔴 RED:** Stop! This indicates a serious safety issue or potential for major mechanical damage. Pull over safely immediately. * **🟠 AMBER / ORANGE:** Caution. Something needs attention soon. You can usually drive to a mechanic, but don't ignore it. * **🟢 GREEN / BLUE:** Information. Systems are on (e.g., headlights, cruise control).
Top 5 Warning Lights Explained
1. Check Engine Light (Amber) * **Symbol:** Outline of an engine. * **Meaning:** The ECU (computer) has detected a fault in the engine management system. It could be anything from a loose fuel cap to a failed catalytic converter. * **Action:** If the car drives normally, book a diagnostic scan soon. If it's flashing or the car is "shuddering", pull over—you risk damaging the engine.
2. Oil Pressure Warning (Red) * **Symbol:** An oil can with a drop. * **Meaning:** **CRITICAL.** Your engine has lost oil pressure. Without oil pressure, your engine will destroy itself in seconds. * **Action:** **STOP IMMEDIATELY.** Do not drive. Check oil level. If it's low, top it up. If the light stays on, call a tow truck or mobile mechanic.
3. Battery / Charging System (Red) * **Symbol:** A battery box with + and - signs. * **Meaning:** The car is running off the battery alone; the alternator isn't charging it. * **Action:** Turn off non-essential electronics (A/C, radio). Drive immediately to a safe place or mechanic. You have limited time before the engine dies.
4. Temperature Warning (Red) * **Symbol:** Thermometer in waves. * **Meaning:** The engine is overheating. * **Action:** Pull over and turn off the engine. **Do not open the radiator cap** while hot—you will get burned. Let it cool down. This is often caused by a coolant leak or failed water pump.
5. Brake System (Red) * **Symbol:** Exclamation mark in a circle or "BRAKE". * **Meaning:** Handbrake is on, fluid is low, or there's a hydraulic fault. * **Action:** Check handbrake. If off and light remains, your brakes may fail. Do not drive.
Expert Diagnostics at Your Door Guessing can be expensive. At Mobile Autoworks NZ, we use professional-grade OBD2 scanning tools to talk directly to your car's computer. We don't just read the code; we diagnose the *root cause*.
Got a light on? Don't wait for a breakdown. Contact us for a diagnostic scan today.