What this means: A fault with your car's oil pressure system is indicated by this vintage oil can symbol. Either your oil level is low or your oil pump isn't moving enough oil around to adequately lubricate the engine's internal surfaces. (NOTE: In some cases, this symbol will be replaced with the word "OIL" on a dashboard.)

What to do: This is a crucial caution to heed because pouring engine lubricant can seriously harm engines. As soon as it's safe to do so, stop, turn off the car, and check the oil! Pull off the oil dipstick to check the fluid level after searching the engine room for any evident oil leaks.

When you add oil, the light can turn off if the oil level is low. If the engine is running noisy yet there is enough oil in the tank, there may be a problem with the oil pump. Your oil pressure sensor may not be working properly if the oil level is normal and the engine is operating without any issues. In any case, you should bring your car in right away to have a professional examine it over and fix whatever is causing the low oil or low oil pressure.

What this means: This symbol, also referred to as the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) symbol, denotes a problem with either your tyre pressure or the TPMS.

The pressure in one or more of your tires is either too low or too high if the TPMS symbol is solid. Even though your tires are correctly filled, if the TPMS symbol flashes for 60 to 90 seconds when you turn on your car before remaining illuminated, there is a problem with your TPMS sensors.

What to do: Driving with low or high tire pressure is dangerous and can harm your tires. We advise making a quick stop to inflate or deflate your tires to the appropriate pressure.

What this means: Your engine is overheating if you notice this symbol appear. Although there are several potential causes, your coolant, also known as antifreeze, is most likely to blame.

What to do: To redistribute heat in the passenger compartment, consider shutting off the air conditioning and turning on the heater first. After a few minutes, if it still doesn't work, stop as soon as it is safe to do so and turn off the engine. Don't open the hood and give the engine at least 15 minutes to cool. While the engine is still hot, opening the hood could result in burns or other damage from steam or smoke.

Make a strategy for what to do next while you wait for the automobile to cool down. Call a roadside assistance company now to top off your coolant or arrange for a tow to a local repair facility.

What this means: This car icon means that the traction control system of your car is engaged. Your anti-lock brake system (ABS) is used by the traction control system to detect whether one wheel is turning more quickly than the others. It applies the brakes until the vehicle regains traction if it notices that a wheel is slipping. This is especially useful if you're driving through snow or puddles.

What to do: Continue driving, but pay attention to the slippery roads.

What this means: The ABS pulses the brakes when you apply heavy pressure to them, as it would on slick roads, to keep your wheels from locking up. When the ABS warning light goes on, the vehicle's mechanical components are malfunctioning.

What to do: As soon as you can, have a mechanic identify the problem because this is such a crucial safety element.

What this means: There are many potential causes for your check engine light to come on. An open, slack, or broken gas cap can occasionally cause it by allowing fuel to evaporate. However, occasionally it denotes a significant problem, such as low oil pressure or overheating. (NOTE: Instead of this indicator, some car dashboards would say "CHECK ENGINE").

What to do: Drive a moderate distance (ideally back home or to your neighbourhood mechanic) if you haven't noticed a change in how the car drives or any strange sounds or odours.

If the check engine light is blinking or is red, you should immediately pull over! A flashing check engine light often indicates that you have a serious issue that, if ignored, might seriously harm your engine.

What this means: This light indicates that there is a problem with the charging system of the car. A faulty alternator, a loose or damaged battery cable, or another electrical issue are potential offenders. You might notice your headlights dimming or the light on your clock fading. Or, in extreme circumstances, your automobile might not even turn on.

What to do: Mechanics can help diagnose any battery-related or electrical issues, and if you need a new battery or you may have to jump-start your car to get it to the mechanic.

What this means: This dashboard light is probably familiar to you. It merely indicates that there is not enough petrol in your car.

What to do: Go to your nearest petrol station and fill your fuel tank up!

What this means: If you notice this dashboard icon, you're probably trying to start your ignition or change gears without applying the brake. Until you press the brake, the automatic shift lock will keep your car in park or neutral.

What to do: Press the brake pedal, then shift gears or start the ignition, whichever you are wanting to do.

What this means: This is just a reminder for passengers in the vehicle to fasten their seatbelt.

What to do: Fasten your seatbelt and make others do too. Doing this is vital for crash safety and reduces the risk of crash fatalities by 50%.

What this means: The airbag warning light signals that something is wrong with one of your airbags or the entire airbag system.

What to do: Get this checked by the dealership or the mechanic immediately! Airbags should always be in perfect working condition to ensure crash safety is enhanced and crash fatalities are reduced too.

What this means: This symbol shows that your fog lights are on.

What to do: Only when your visibility is less than 100 yards should you utilise fog lights. They can make it harder for other road users to see if you turn them on needlessly.

What this means: This dashboard symbol means that you’re low on windshield washer fluid.

What to do: Fill up the reservoir with fluid as soon as you can.

What this means: The parking brake is engaged or there is a problem with your braking system if you see this sign on your dashboard or the word "BRAKE" in red.

What to do: Stop first and make sure your parking brake is on. While your car is in park, try setting and releasing the brake. Have your car towed to the closest mechanic if the light is still on even when the parking brake is disengaged.

What this means: Nowadays, lane departure warning is a standard safety feature in most vehicles. When it notices that your car is moving out of your lane, it lights this dashboard light and emits a beeping sound.

What to do: Correct your steering, if needed. (The light may come on when you are purposefully changing lanes).

What this means: This indicates that your gearbox is overheating if it shows on your dashboard. Low gearbox fluid, worn gearbox components, excessive towing, or another factor could be at blame for this.

What to do: If this red light appears in your car, pull over to let the transmission cool. Not doing so could cause costly damage. If the issue persists, take your car for immediate service.