Green indicator lights - informative
The purpose of these icons is to inform the driver that a function or mode has been activated, e.g. an indicator or dipped headlights. Lighting of lights of this colour does not require any action. Green lights also indicate that:
- cruise control on,
- Driving in economy mode,
- Park Assist,
- Hill Assist, Hill Assist,
- airbag system is operational.
The exception is the high-beam headlamps, which are indicated by a blue icon.
Yellow warning and information lights
These indicate a problem. It is possible to continue driving, but it is important to identify the fault and take action as soon as possible. Ignoring such an icon can lead to more serious malfunctions. However, they do not just act as a warning, they can also indicate that the fog lights or rear window heater are on. Yellow warns us of: ● engine failure (check engine) - this lights up when the car is running on poor quality fuel, if the fuel filter is dirty or frozen, or if the injection system has failed. When this light appears, the engine operates in emergency mode and therefore runs with reduced power. In this case, visit a service centre as soon as possible.
- glow plugs failure (yellow spiral) - means that it is time to replace the glow plugs
- ABS failure - means that the wheels may lock under braking
- malfunction of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) - means a lack of "assistance" for safe driving
- high brake pad wear - means that the pads need replacing as they reduce braking performance ● loss of pressure in the tyre - it is then worth checking the condition of the tyres,
- icy road surface - it is easy to skid and you need to drive more carefully,
- fuel reserve,
- incorrectly closed fuel filler cap,
- broken light bulb,
- deactivated airbag,
- damage to the gearbox.
Red warning lights
These types of icons should not be underestimated. They signal that a fault has occurred in the car and you should not continue driving. In this situation you should stop and call for help. Red lights indicate
- the need to top up the brake fluid or a failure of the brake system (symbol of a disc with shoes and an exclamation mark in the middle) - this is responsible for the handbrake, but it disappears when it is drained. When it appears while driving or does not go out at all, it signals a fault. ● an oil level that is too low or excessively worn (the oil tank symbol) - switch off the engine immediately, top up the oil and take the car to a mechanic to find the cause of the leak or excessive wear so that the engine is not damaged.
- a malfunctioning battery charge (battery symbol) - this is usually a warning of a slipping V-belt or worn tensioner.
- excessive coolant temperature or lack of coolant (thermometer symbol) - stop, switch off the engine, top up the coolant and go to a mechanic to check for radiator leaks.
- power steering problem (steering wheel symbol) - stop driving immediately and have the car serviced.
- airbag system malfunction (passenger symbol with seatbelt and wheel) - means that during an accident, the airbag will not work.
The controls appearing on the dashboard are numerous. It is important to be familiar with them, because we know what to do if they appear, so that we do not harm ourselves or others.
