Warning Lights in Your Car – Meaning, Colors, and How to Respond to Warning Symbols

When you start the vehicle, they light up briefly and then disappear – in the best case scenario. But if a warning light in the car stays on permanently, caution is advised. It is not a decorative element, but often a clear indication that something is wrong.

Whether it's an engine warning, battery indicator, or tire pressure symbol – every warning light has its purpose. And especially when buying a used or damaged vehicle, e.g. from a car auction, they can be crucial in assessing its condition realistically.

What Are Warning Lights Anyway?

Warning lights – also known as indicator lights – are visual signals in the cockpit that inform the driver about the status of technical systems. They light up in different colors and have different meanings.

Understanding Color Codes:

Color	Meaning
Green/Blue	Information or note (e.g., lights on)
Yellow/Orange	Warning – check soon, often possible to continue driving
Red	Critical error – stop immediately and check

An Overview of the Most Common Indicator Lights and Symbols

Here are some of the most common indicator light symbols that you may encounter in everyday life:

• Oil Pressure (Red Oil Can): Low oil pressure – stop immediately, otherwise there is a risk of engine damage.
• Engine Indicator Light (Engine Symbol, Yellow): Fault in the engine or exhaust system. Visit a repair shop as soon as possible.
• ABS Light (Yellow): Problem with the anti-lock braking system – ABS is not working.
• Tire Pressure Warning Light (Yellow Exclamation Mark in a Circle): At least one tire is underinflated – check immediately.
• Brake System (Red Exclamation Mark): Either the handbrake is still on or there is a problem with the brake system – caution!
• Airbag/Control System (Yellow Figure with Circle): Malfunction in the airbag system – please have it checked at a repair shop.

Yellow Warning Lights in the Car – How Dangerous Is That?

Yellow warning lights are no reason to panic – but they are not a free pass either. They usually indicate impending or incipient problems. Examples:

• Engine Warning Light: Could be a faulty sensor – or a serious engine problem.
• Tire Pressure: Could be harmless (temperature change) – or indicate a slow puncture.
• Glow Plugs in Diesel Engines: Often just means “preheating active” – but if they flash, it's a malfunction!
  

Important: Yellow does not mean “ignore,” but rather: Have it checked soon.

Warning Lights in Used Vehicles – Especially Relevant!

Anyone looking to buy a used car – whether privately or through an auction such as Copart – should pay attention to the warning lights when turning on the ignition.

Observe:

• Which lights come on briefly – and then go off again?
• Does any light remain permanently active?
• Does any light flash while driving?
  

This information helps you to realistically assess the technical condition – especially in the case of damaged vehicles or those in need of repair.

Can You Read the Warning Lights Yourself?

Yes – with an OBD2 diagnostic device, you can read many error codes yourself. This is particularly worthwhile if you:

• want to check an auction vehicle
• work with used cars on a regular basis
• want to prepare for workshop visits or save costs
  

However, simply deleting the error code is pointless if the cause has not been rectified.

What Should You Do if a Warning Light Comes on While Driving?

1. Note the color: Yellow = check soon. Red = stop immediately.
2. Adjust your driving behavior: In case of engine problems or brake warnings, drive slowly and carefully or stop.
3. Contact a repair shop or use a diagnostic device
4. Do not ignore: Even small warning lights can have major consequences if left untreated.

Conclusion: Take Warning Lights Seriously – Especially in Used Cars

Warning lights in cars are not just small colorful symbols – they are your vehicle's first language. If you know what they mean, you can react early, avoid damage, and drive more safely. You should not ignore them, especially when buying a used or damaged car.

Buying Vehicles with Warning Lights – an Option at Copart

If you have technical expertise or a repair shop at your side, vehicles with active warning lights can be a real opportunity. At Copart auto auctions, you will find numerous vehicles with visible warning lights – often with known faults.

For mechanics, dealers, and resellers, this is a chance to purchase a technically repairable vehicle well below market price – provided you know what to look for.

👉 Discover Now: Auction vehicles at Copart.com