As of: February 25, 2024, 4:48 a.m
By: David Holzner
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It flashes and lights up on the dashboard.
What should I do?
Some of the most important warnings at a glance.
If the dashboard suddenly flashes and lights up, it usually doesn't mean anything good.
Anything from a minor problem to serious danger can be possible.
In severe cases there is even a risk of engine damage.
The warning lights in your car indicate technical problems.
It is important to know what to do in order to react correctly in an emergency.
Can I wait until the next workshop visit or do I have to act immediately?
The different colors already provide information about the severity of the technical defect.
For many drivers, the indicator light symbols are still a mystery.
An overview of the most important warnings:
Red indicator light in the car: This can be dangerous
The warning lights on the dashboard indicate technical problems.
© Filippo Carlot/IMAGO
Red warning lights usually signal more serious problems that require immediate attention.
If a red warning light flashes, you should stop driving as quickly as possible to have the problem checked by a workshop.
Red oil can:
The red oil pressure indicator light signals that the engine oil pressure is too low.
It should be stopped immediately and oil refilled.
A subsequent workshop visit is recommended by the
ADAC
.
Otherwise, serious damage to the engine can occur.
Red thermometer in the water:
The engine has overheated.
One reason for this could be too little coolant.
It is advisable to stop immediately and allow the engine to cool down.
Only then should the problem be checked.
If the engine is still too hot, there is a risk of scalding.
In general, you should check the coolant level regularly.
Red battery:
The generator is defective or an electrical connection is interrupted.
The engine should not be switched off.
Drive to the nearest workshop.
If your car has power steering, your car may be difficult to steer.
Then you should stop as soon as possible.
Red exclamation mark in a circle:
There may be a problem with the brakes.
Either the brake shoes are worn or the brake fluid is running low.
Also check your handbrake.
If it is still on, this indicator light also lights up.
You can find even more exciting car topics in the free newsletter from our partner 24auto.de.
Yellow indicator light: vehicle safety
The yellow warning lights indicate that the car needs a safety check.
These instructions require attention, but in most cases no immediate action is required.
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Yellow car with a serpentine line:
This warning light can come on on wet roads.
It indicates that the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) is active.
Steer carefully and reduce your speed, especially when driving on black ice.
Yellow engine block:
If the check engine light (MKL) lights up, it is often a problem with the engine control system.
The MKL usually lights up even when there is marten damage.
Visit a workshop in the near future to prevent major damage.
Yellow exclamation mark in the tire:
Since 2014, all new cars have been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), writes
AutoBild
.
If this warning signal lights up, something is wrong with the tire pressure.
It doesn't have to be a flat tire.
If you recently changed your tire, it may just be a miscalibration.
Take a look at the user manual.
Green indicator light: Everything is green
Green indicator lights usually provide information about the operating status of your car.
For example, they light up when the turn signal is on.
They also signal that the car's assistance systems are active.
These include automatic distance control, the speed limiter and the lane assistance assistant.
The arrow also lights up green when flashing in a roundabout.
Special case: Special warning lights on electric cars
Because they work differently, electric cars have electro-specific warning lights, as the
ADAC
explains.
The warning lights that affect combustion engines are eliminated.
Instead, electric cars have a yellow symbol with three batteries.
It means that the charge level is low and the range is coming to an end.
There is also often a turtle symbol in yellow or red, which indicates limited performance of the electric drive.
You should use emergency parking as soon as possible.
The red symbol with the charging station means that the car is currently being charged.
This is to avoid driving off while the charging cable is still connected.
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.
The symbols on the indicator lights may vary depending on the make and model.
If the meaning of a warning light is unclear, we recommend taking a look at your car's operating instructions.