6 common dashboard symbols – what do they mean?

By: Martin Dasko on January 22, 2025

This article has been updated from a previous version.

Every single person reading this has stressed out at some point when a random dashboard symbol turned on while cruising down the street.

Misunderstanding a dashboard symbol cost me thousands of dollars about five years back. My engine was too hot, and I kept on going. I ignored the light and kept on driving.

By the time I brought the car to the mechanic, it was time to replace the engine. I was a fool for ignoring the dashboard symbol. I don’t want this to happen to you.

Ignoring these symbols can lead to serious consequences, as I learned the hard way. Five years ago, I ignored an overheating light on my dashboard. By the time I brought the car to the mechanic, it was too late – the engine needed to be replaced, costing me thousands of dollars.

To help you avoid poor decisions and costly repairs, here’s a detailed guide to six common dashboard symbols, what they mean, and what every Canadian driver should know when they see one pop up.

1. Engine temperature warning light

This symbol indicates that your engine is overheating. It often looks like a thermometer floating in waves or features the word “TEMP.”

What to do:

Pull over immediately. Your engine is overheating. This isn’t good. Find a safe spot to park your vehicle as soon as possible. See if the light goes away.
Turn off both the AC and the engine to reduce strain and allow the car to cool down.
Open the hood cautiously once the engine has cooled. Do not attempt to open the radiator cap when the engine is hot – this could result in burns.

Next steps: You’ll want to check your coolant levels. If coolant is low, top it up with the appropriate type for your car. If the problem persists or you notice coolant leaks underneath your car, get your vehicle to a mechanic without delay.

I don’t recommend driving far when this light is on. You may not even be able to make it down the street. Continuing to drive could cause severe damage to your engine.

2. Tire pressure warning light

This light, typically shaped like an exclamation mark inside a horseshoe, means one or more tires have low air pressure. Tire pressure fluctuates with temperature, so Canadian winters can often trigger this light.

What to do:

Stop by a gas station or use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in all four tires.
Inflate the tires to your vehicle’s recommended PSI, which can usually be found inside the driver’s door panel or in the owner’s manual.

Driving on under-inflated tires can lead to tread damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and even a dangerous blowout. Snow tires, commonly used in Canada during colder months, are just as susceptible to damage if not properly inflated.

3. Battery charge warning light

The battery charge warning light is common among dashboard symbols. We’ve all likely experienced it. This symbol, often resembling a small battery icon, indicates that your alternator isn’t charging the battery. Essentially, your car is running on borrowed time.

What to do:

Turn off any non-essential electrical systems, such as the radio or air conditioning, to preserve battery life.
Drive directly to a mechanic or repair shop while the car is still functioning.

If the electronics in your car start to fail or the car suddenly dies on the road, pull over to a safe spot and call for assistance. Don’t attempt do-it-yourself (DIY) fixes with cables unless you're trained and equipped, as missteps can cause electrical damage.

4. Engine warning light

When this light – typically shaped like an engine or including the phrase "check engine" – turns on, it signals a problem with the vehicle's engine or emissions system.

You’re going to start to notice that your car is slowing down and that it isn’t running properly. There’s something wrong with your engine and it needs immediate attention. These issues can range from a loose gas cap to something more serious, like a faulty catalytic converter.

What to do:

Check if your gas cap is tightly secured, as a loose cap can sometimes trigger the light.
If that’s not the case, have the car inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Potential consequences: Ignoring the engine warning light can lead to reduced performance, poor fuel efficiency, and even long-term engine damage. Modern vehicles are equipped to identify the issue via an OBD2 scanner – a quick diagnostic tool that mechanics use to pinpoint the exact problem.

5. ABS warning light

This light, often labeled “ABS,” refers to the ‘anti-lock braking system’. When this light comes on, your car’s ABS may not be functioning properly. If paired with the brake system warning light, it could mean a more severe brake failure. If this happens, you need to let go of the brakes.

What to do:

Proceed with extreme caution. If the regular brakes are still functional, you can drive to a safe location or straight to a mechanic.
If braking feels inconsistent or unresponsive, call for roadside assistance to tow your car.

During icy conditions, ABS is critical in preventing skidding and maintaining control while braking. Any issues with your braking system should be addressed immediately, especially in winter months.

6. Oil pressure warning light

This symbol, often resembling an oil can, signals a drop in oil pressure. Low oil pressure might be due to an oil leak or a more serious issue with your engine’s lubrication system.

What to do:

Pull over and check your oil level using the dipstick. If the oil is low, add oil of the correct type for your vehicle.
If the oil level seems fine but the light stays on, turn off the engine and don’t continue driving.

Low oil pressure can destroy your engine, leading to severe and often irreversible damage. Address issues promptly to avoid hefty repair costs.

Bonus tips for Canadian drivers

By staying proactive and informed, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress and keep your car running smoothly for years to come.

Carry essential tools: Keep a tire pressure gauge, a bottle of the correct engine coolant, and a container of motor oil in your car. Winter-specific tools, such as an ice scraper and emergency blanket, are also useful year-round.
Stay on top of maintenance: Dashboard symbols often signal problems that could have been prevented with regular maintenance. Follow your vehicle’s recommended servicing schedule to avoid unexpected surprises.
Know when to call for help: If you’re unsure what to do or the car feels unsafe to drive, don’t hesitate to call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Whenever you see a light pop up, take the time to assess the situation and act quickly. Don’t ignore these warnings – they exist to protect both you and your vehicle. Ignoring a symbol could damage your car and cost you a decent chunk of change.