Dashboard warning lights quiz: which light is this?
The symbols on a dashboard are the same in nearly every car. Thirteen of them here, with what each means and what to do when it comes on.
The colour is the first half of the answer. Red means stop as soon as it is safe. Amber means have it looked at soon. Green and blue tell you something is switched on. The symbol is the second half, and two of them are "tell me" questions in the driving test.
Ready when you are
- 12 questions
- About 3 minutes
- Answers explained
- Nothing saved
Every light in this quiz
Each symbol with what it means and what to do.
Engine oil pressureLow engine oil pressure. Stop as soon as it is safe and switch the engine off; driving on can wreck the engine. Battery chargeThe battery is not charging, usually the alternator or its belt. The car will run until the battery is flat, so get it checked straight away. Brake system warningA brake system warning: the handbrake is on, the brake fluid is low, or there is a fault. If it stays on with the handbrake off, stop safely and get help. Engine managementAn engine or emissions fault. The car usually keeps running; have it checked soon. Flashing means stop and get help. Anti-lock brakes (ABS)A fault with the anti-lock braking system. Ordinary braking still works, so drive gently and have it checked. Engine coolant temperatureThe engine is too hot. Pull over, switch off and let it cool. Never open the cap while it is hot. Tyre pressureA tyre is under-inflated. Check all four at the next safe stop and inflate to the pressures in the handbook. Low fuelThe fuel is low. Fill up soon; the handbook says how far the reserve goes. Seat beltSomebody has not fastened their seat belt. Everybody in the car must wear one. Main beam headlightsThe main beam headlights are on. Dip them for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle. Dipped headlightsThe dipped headlights are on. Front fog lightsThe front fog lights are on. Use them only when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres, and switch them off when it improves. Rear fog lightThe rear fog light is on. Use it only when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres; left on, it dazzles the driver behind and hides your brake lights.
Questions people ask
Which dashboard warning lights mean I should stop?
Red ones: oil pressure, brake system, engine coolant temperature and battery charge. Stop as soon as it is safe, switch off, and do not drive on with the oil or brake light showing. Amber lights, such as engine management, ABS and tyre pressure, mean have it checked soon.
Which warning lights come up in the driving test?
Two "tell me" questions ask about warning lights: how you would know the anti-lock braking system has a fault (its warning light), and how you would know main beam is on (the blue main beam light). The rear fog light question also expects you to check its warning light is on.
Are warning light symbols the same in every car?
Nearly all follow the same international standard, which is why they can be learnt once. A few makers use their own colours or add extra symbols; the handbook has the full list for your car.
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