Blog / Car Insurance
Car Warning Lights: A Guide for Singapore Motorists
Car warning lights are crucial indicators that help drivers detect issues before they turn into major problems. Yet, they often go unnoticed—until something goes wrong. Understanding the meaning behind each car warning sign can help you take the right action and avoid costly repairs.
This guide focuses on common car warning symbols that Singapore drivers need to know, because let’s face it we don’t really need to know about cold weather, frost and fog lights.
Read on to understand the common dashboard warning lights, what they mean, and what to do if they stay on.
Understanding Car Warning Lights by Colour
- Red warning lights – Immediate action required (e.g., brake warning light, engine warning light, battery charge warning light).
- Amber or yellow warning lights – Non-urgent attention needed (e.g., engine light warning, tyre pressure warning light, traction control light).
- Green or blue dashboard lights – Informational only (e.g., boot lid light, lane assist).
Key Car Warning Lights and Their Meanings
Brake System Warning Light (Red)
Indicates an issue with the braking system. It could mean the parking brake is engaged, a problem with the braking system/brake fluid is low, or there's an ABS warning light malfunction. Check the brake fluid and release the parking brake. If the light remains on, a mechanic should inspect the anti-lock braking system (ABS) for a professional diagnosis.
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light (Red)
A low oil pressure warning light means your car's engine may not be receiving adequate oil flow. Stop the car immediately, check the oil level, and top up if needed. Driving with low oil pressure can lead to severe engine damage.
Check Engine Light (Amber)
The check engine warning light signals potential issues, ranging from a loose fuel cap to serious engine problems. It may indicate engine misfires, reduced power (safe mode activation), or irregular engine performance. If the check engine light stays on, seek professional diagnosis immediately to prevent further or irreversible damage.
Battery Charge Warning Light (Red)
A battery warning light means the vehicle’s charging system is malfunctioning. It could be due to a failing alternator belt, battery terminals, or battery condition. Ignoring this could leave you stranded and in need of a tow truck.
Tyre Pressure Warning Light (Amber)
The tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) detects low air pressure or a sensor malfunction. Driving with low tyre pressure affects handling and increases fuel consumption, so check and top up at the nearest gas station. Some vehicles allow a manual TPMS reset, while others may need professional diagnosis—refer to your owner's manual for guidance.
Engine Temperature Warning Light (Red)
The engine temperature warning light indicates overheating, which could be due to low coolant levels, a faulty radiator cap, or a leaking coolant system. Pull over, let the engine cool, and check the coolant level under the bonnet and top up if necessary. Also check for possible radiator cap and coolant leaks.
ABS Warning Light (Amber)
If the ABS light stays on, the anti-lock braking system may not function properly. While your regular brakes will still work, ABS prevents skidding during emergency braking. If the light remains on, you need to have a mechanic diagnose the ABS light issue as soon as possible.
Airbag Warning Light (Red)
The airbag safety system detects a fault when this light appears. A malfunctioning airbag system may not deploy during a crash, reducing protection in a car accident. Professional repair of the supplemental restraint system is highly recommended.
Traction Control Light (Amber)
This traction control warning light appears when the traction control system is off or has detected a problem. So, if your vehicle’s traction control light is on, it may be as simple as making sure your traction control isn’t turned off. It may also be linked to the ABS system warning light, meaning an ABS issue could trigger both warnings.
Automatic Transmission Warning Light (Amber)
This automatic gearbox warning light suggests issues such as transmission fluid temperature is higher than normal or sensor faults. Ignoring it can lead to transmission failure, so a mechanic should inspect it immediately.
Fuel Level Warning Light (Amber)
The fuel pump warning light turns on when the fuel is low. If there’s an arrow next to it, it points to the side where the fuel filler cap is located.
Brake Pedal (Green)
Only equipped on vehicles with automatic transmissions, this light will illuminate after the engine is started and reminds the driver that the brake pedal has to be pressed in order to shift out of Park mode. As soon as you have stepped on the brakes, the light should go out.
Brake Pad Monitoring (Amber)
Some luxury cars warn when the brake pads need replacing. You don’t need to change the pads immediately, but they won’t have much life left in them.
Boot Lid (Green)
When this light is illuminated, you should double check that the boot lid is fully closed. As soon as the boot is secure, the light should go out. If it doesn’t turn off by itself, then the switch may be broken or malfunctioning.
Lane Assist (Green)
They may be called Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Departure Mitigation (LDM), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Lane Keeping Assist Aid (LKA) or Lane Keeping Assistant System (LKAS). They detect lane markers and will light up once your car drifts out of it. These are very handy for our Singapore drifters who like to meander in and out of their lanes.
What To Do If a Car Warning Light Comes On
- Don’t panic – Check your owner's manual for specific meanings.
- Assess urgency – Red lights need immediate action, while amber lights indicate issues to address soon.
- Seek professional help – If unsure, visit a mechanic for advice.
By understanding common car warning lights, you can prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. Regularly checking the car dashboard symbols ensures you stay ahead of potential problems and drive safely on Singapore roads.
