Dashboard indicators: what do they mean and how to react?

Dashboard indicators: what do they mean and how to react?

assurances Assurances Ride peace of mind with the right car insurance All our articles on the car Dashboard warning lights: what do they mean and how to react?
What to do when a warning light comes on on your dashboard?

A little light on your dashboard? Learn to decipher its meaning and, above all, to react appropriately. Warning lights can vary from car to car, but the most important are usually the same. Let’s review them.

3 types of signals

There are three types of indicator lights:

Operation indicators (lights on, defrost, hazard warning lights, etc.): they simply give you information on the operation of the car.
Warning lights generally orange in color (tank almost empty, diesel engine preheating, bulb burnt out, ABS problem, etc.): they do not necessarily indicate an urgent problem, but give you important information to take into account. account.
Red warning lights (low battery, under-inflated tires, engine overheating, etc.): they generally signal a danger and call for urgent intervention from you or from the mechanic.
Most common warning lights

Witness
Meaning
Action to take
Brake problem
Release the handbrake or go to the garage if it's already released.
Seat belt not fastened
Buckle your seat belt and check if all occupants have fastened theirs.
Door or trunk open
Stop and check to see if the doors and trunk are securely closed.
Oil problem
Let the engine cool, check the oil level and go to the garage if the light stays on.
Cooling system problem
Stop, check the coolant, and top it up.
Tire pressure problem
Check the pressure of your tires, re-inflate them or replace a possible flat tire.
Battery problem
Go to the garage for a check-up.