Types and Functions of Car Indicator Lights

Car indicator lights serve as a signal of damage or problems that occur in some parts of the car. If this light is on, you should immediately take it to a repair shop.


The electronic systems in today's cars rely on a series of sensors. The presence of these sensors can also tell you if something is wrong with your car. This sensor is known as a car indicator light. There are two types of car indicator lights, namely red and orange. A red car indicator light indicates that you must act quickly because of a serious problem, such as an engine overheating, low engine oil pressure, or a problem with the braking system.



While the orange car indicator light means the management computer running the engine has detected a malfunction. You can continue to drive, but you should immediately have your car checked at the nearest repair shop.


Bad risks that can occur are not just indicator lights, but there are many other risks that may occur while driving. Therefore, it is very important to protect your vehicle with car insurance that has compensation benefits for you, the vehicle, and also third parties in the event of a bad risk.


Types of Car Indicator Lights and Their Functions


The shape of the car indicator light resembles a special symbol to make it easier for us to detect which part of the car has a problem. That's why in one car unit there are more than 10 indicator lights that point to various modes or car features. The following will explain the types of car indicator lights and their functions.


Oil Indicator Light


It is symbolized by the image of an ancient oil can which, if lit, indicates that there is a problem with your car's oil pressure system. Either it's running out of oil or your oil pump isn't flowing enough fluid to properly lubricate the surfaces inside your vehicle. This must be addressed as quickly as possible, as your engine can wear out quickly without proper lubrication.



Tire Pressure Indicator Light


Also known as the TPMS symbol, this image signals that the pressure in one or more of your tires is too low or too high and needs to be addressed. Driving with low or high pressure tires is unsafe and may cause additional damage to your vehicle. Typically, tire pressure should be between 30 and 35 psi (pounds per square inch).


Engine Temperature Indicator Light


Symbolized by an image of the engine temperature. If you see this symbol appear, it means your engine is overheating. This most likely has something to do with your cooler (also called antifreeze), but it can happen for a variety of reasons. It is important to address it immediately to avoid further damage.


Abs Indicator Light


Depicted by the symbol ABS. Speaking of your anti-lock brakes, if this “ABS” warning flashes while you are driving, it means that something is wrong with the system. As you know, your anti-lock brakes work to keep your car safely connected to the road, so it's important to diagnose the problem as soon as possible. Keep in mind, every time you start your vehicle, the system performs a self-check, and can turn on for just a few seconds.



Engine Indicator Light


This one car indicator light is symbolized by an image of a car engine, which when it lights up indicates a serious problem and requires you to pull over immediately. This could indicate low oil pressure or overheating. Other times, this light will appear if your gas cap is open, loose, or cracked, causing the fuel to evaporate.


If this light appears, we recommend pulling over and checking the gas cap and other systems in your vehicle. If it flashes, you are required to stop. Because, for most vehicles, this light signals that you have a serious problem that could cause serious damage if ignored.


Battery Indicator Light


This symbol indicates that there is a problem with the vehicle's charging system. Interestingly, this light does not only indicate a problem with the battery, such as a loose or damaged battery cable. But it can also indicate that your alternator belt is faulty. If the problem is the battery, usually the timepiece (hour) or your headlights are dim. If you wait too long, your vehicle will literally die and lose light.


Fuel Indicator Light


Symbolized by the fuel tank, and is an indicator that is most easily recognized and the most noticed by car owners. If this light is on it means you will soon run out of gas. When there is a sign of low fuel, you should immediately fill it at the nearest refueling center. Because you never know how the road conditions ahead.



Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator


Symbolized by the image of the automatic shift key. If you see this symbol, you are most likely trying to shift gears or start the ignition without applying the brakes. The automatic slide lock will lock your vehicle in the parking lot or neutral until you apply the brakes.


Seat Belt Indicator Light


This symbol simply reminds you or your passengers to fasten their seat belts! According to various studies. seat belts reduce serious accident-related injuries by about 50%.


Airbag Indicator


The car indicator light for this airbag is symbolized by the image of the airbag. The airbag indicator indicates that something is wrong with the airbag or your system as a whole. Your car's airbags keep you safe during an accident, so it's important to address this issue immediately.


Security Indicator


Depicted by a security light located on the dashboard. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, this image means something is not working. This symbol also lights up briefly when you start your vehicle, which is not an indicator that something is wrong.



Fog Lamp


This symbol tells you that your fog lights are on. The fog indicator light should only be used if your visibility is less than 100 meters.


Washer Fluid Indicator


This car indicator light is depicted by the movement of your windshield wiper, this symbol means you are running out of wiper engine fluid. Fill the reservoir with liquid as soon as possible.


Keep in mind that every vehicle has a different car indicator light, so the symbols on your dashboard may vary slightly from the ones listed above. When in doubt, read your vehicle's manual! There it is clearly stated how many indicators are embedded in your car.