Dashboard Symbols: A Quick Guide to What They Mean
Modern dashboards have dozens of symbols. A Cranbourne West specialist gives a quick guide to the important ones.
The ones that matter most
Beyond the colour code (red = stop, amber = check soon, green/blue = info), key symbols include: oil-can (oil pressure — stop if red), thermometer (temperature/overheating), battery (charging), the engine outline (check engine), the exclamation in a circle or (!) (brake or general warning), ABS, airbag/SRS, and the tyre-pressure (TPMS) symbol.
A symbol you don’t recognise plus odd behaviour always warrants a check.
What to do
For a red symbol (especially oil or temperature), stop safely — they can mean rapid damage. For amber, book a diagnostic soon. We have individual guides for the common warning lights, and we can scan any light to tell you exactly what’s wrong.
Don’t guess with a flashing or red light — get it read promptly.
We’ll take care of it
Prefer to leave it to a specialist? We look after all of this as part of a service or a quick check — with honest advice on what your car actually needs, not what sells.
Book online in 60 seconds or call a Cranbourne West specialist on 03 8782 0711.
Dashboard Symbols: A Quick Guide to What They Mean — FAQ
Colour first (red = stop, amber = check soon, green/blue = info); key ones are oil, temperature, battery, check-engine, brake, ABS, airbag and TPMS.
Red oil-pressure or temperature — stop safely, as they can mean rapid engine damage.
Get it checked, especially with odd behaviour — we can scan it and explain it.
Yes — individual guides for the common warning lights, plus a full scan.
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