by Garrett McKinnon
VehicleMD Staff Writer
Originally published in Summer 2011 Issue

If you're old enough, you've probably heard the term "idiot lights." That's what mechanics used to derisively call the warning lights on vehicle dashboards, after automakers began moving away from analog gauges to simple visual alerts (after all, do you really care what your car's oil pressure is, as long as it has an adequate amount?).

Well, we don't imagine you'd find too many mechanics who still use that term these days. Especially with automakers stuffing more and more warning lights into vehicles. These days, you almost need an advanced degree to decipher some of the pictograms car manufacturers are using to alert you to different systems on your vehicle. Plus, not all automakers use the same symbols in the same way.

Fortunately for you, that's where we come in. We've assembled a dashboard's worth of warning lights, many common but others not. (We're ignoring the idiot-proof worded messages that many carmakers use in favor of deciphering only the pictogram lights.) Note that these lights may not be universal, as some automakers have their own favored warning lights, and you should check your owners manual to be certain. Still, these are generally in widespread use. Read on to find out what each means, and why it's important.

Oil Pressure — Absolutely the most important warning light in your vehicle. If this light comes on and stays on, it means your engine is not receiving sufficient oil. Drive with this light on for too long, and you could turn a minor problem into major engine damage.

Coolant Temperature — This light means the coolant/antifreeze mixture in your car's engine is running at a higher-than-optimum temperature, and usually means there is something mechanically wrong with the vehicle. You might be able to limp to a repair shop at low speed if it's a short drive, but our advice would be to stop the car as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Battery/Charging Alert — When you see the little battery symbol, it mean's your car's charging system is not functioning as it should. Drive with this symbol on for too long and you could end up stranded with a dead battery.

Service Vehicle Soon — Different automakers use different variations of this light, but any time you see a wrench in some form or fashion, there's a good chance your car is telling you it's time for routine service.

Park Assist — A relative newcomer, this light tells you when your vehicle's park assist system is functioning and, for self-parking vehicles, when your car is parking itself. Like you wouldn't know otherwise.

Check Engine — Officially termed a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL), this light indicates a problem with your vehicle's emissions system and, if flashing, that the problem requires immediate attention to avoid engine damage.

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