When a warning light appears on your Škoda’s dashboard, it’s essential to understand what it signifies to keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently. These car dash lights are designed to alert you to various issues, ranging from routine notifications to critical alerts that require immediate attention.
Knowing what each symbol means can help you take appropriate action, potentially saving you from costly repairs or even avoiding dangerous situations on the road.
Red Warning Lights – Immediate Attention Required
Red warning lights on your Škoda’s dashboard signal serious issues that require immediate action. Ignoring these warnings could compromise your vehicle’s safety or lead to costly damage. Here’s what some of the most common red lights mean and what you should do when they appear.
Brake System Warning Light
- Description: This light appears as a red circle with an exclamation mark or the word “BRAKE.”
- Meaning: Indicates a potential issue with the braking system, such as low brake fluid, a malfunction in the brake system, or the handbrake being engaged.
- Actions: If the handbrake is not engaged, stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so and check the brake fluid levels. If the light remains on, contact your local Škoda dealership immediately.
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
- Description: Shaped like an oil can, this red light signals low oil pressure in the engine.
- Meaning: The engine is not receiving adequate oil pressure, which can cause severe engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Actions: Stop the vehicle immediately and check the engine oil level. If the oil level is low, top it up before restarting the engine. If the light remains on after adding oil, do not continue driving and seek professional assistance.
Engine Cooling System Warning Light
- Description: This light looks like a thermometer submerged in liquid, indicating engine overheating.
- Meaning: It suggests that the engine temperature is too high, which could be due to low coolant levels, a leak, or a malfunction in the cooling system.
- Actions: Pull over and turn off the engine. Allow the engine to cool before checking the coolant level. If the coolant is low, add more, but if the problem persists, contact your local Škoda dealership.
Airbag and Seatbelt System Warning Light
- Description: The light shows a person with a circle in front, indicating an airbag or seatbelt fault.
- Meaning: A fault exists within the airbag or seatbelt tensioner system, potentially affecting their ability to protect passengers in an accident.
- Actions: Drive carefully to the nearest Škoda dealership to have the system inspected and repaired immediately.
Battery Charging Warning Light
- Description: Appearing as a battery symbol, this light indicates a problem with the vehicle’s charging system.
- Meaning: The battery is not charging while the engine is running, which could be due to an alternator failure or a damaged battery.
- Actions: Turn off unnecessary electrical components to reduce strain on the battery. Safely drive to a Škoda dealership for an inspection or call roadside assistance if the car loses power.
Yellow / Orange Warning Lights – Caution Needed
Yellow or orange dashboard lights in your Škoda indicate issues that require caution but may not need immediate action. These lights often signal problems that could worsen over time if left unchecked, so addressing them sooner rather than later is recommended.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Warning Light
- Description: This light appears as the letters “ABS” enclosed in a circle.
- Meaning: Indicates a potential fault in the anti-lock braking system. While regular braking may still be available, the ABS function may not work correctly, affecting emergency braking.
- Actions: Drive with extra caution, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Schedule an inspection with a Škoda dealership to diagnose and repair the ABS system.
Check Engine Light
- Description: This light resembles an engine symbol, often accompanied by the words “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon.”
- Meaning: The check engine light can signal a variety of issues, from a loose fuel cap to more serious engine problems.
- Actions: If the light is steady, it’s safe to continue driving, but schedule a service appointment promptly. If the light is flashing, it indicates a severe problem, such as a misfire, and you should stop driving and seek assistance immediately.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Warning Light
- Description: The symbol looks like a car with swerving lines behind it.
- Meaning: Indicates a potential issue with the Electronic Stability Control system, which helps keep the vehicle stable during sharp turns or slippery conditions.
- Actions: While the vehicle can still be driven, avoid high speeds or sharp turns. Have the system checked by your local Škoda dealership to restore full stability control functionality.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Light
- Description: The symbol resembles an exclamation mark inside a horseshoe, representing low tyre pressure.
- Meaning: One or more tyres may be under-inflated, or there could be a problem with the tyre pressure monitoring system.
- Actions: Stop and check the tyre pressures as soon as possible. Inflate the tyres to the recommended levels and see if the light goes off. If it remains on, have the system inspected at a Škoda dealership.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning Light
- Description: This light appears as a rectangle with dots inside, indicating an issue with the diesel particulate filter.
- Meaning: The DPF may be clogged and in need of regeneration, which occurs when the vehicle is driven at higher speeds for a period.
- Actions: If safe, drive at speeds over 60 km/h for at least 15 minutes to allow the filter to regenerate. If the light remains on, seek professional assistance to clean or replace the filter.
Green / Blue Lights – Information Only
Green and blue dashboard lights in your Škoda serve as informational indicators and usually don’t signal any problems. These lights let you know when certain functions are active or conditions are met, ensuring a safer and more convenient driving experience.
Cruise Control Indicator Light
- Description: The symbol is usually a speedometer with an arrow or a set of lines.
- Meaning: Indicates that the cruise control system is active, maintaining the set speed without the need for constant pressure on the accelerator.
- Actions: No action is required. To deactivate, simply press the brake pedal or turn off the cruise control switch.
High Beam Light
- Description: This blue light appears as a headlight icon with lines projecting out.
- Meaning: The high beams are switched on, providing extra visibility in low-light conditions.
- Actions: Use high beams only when appropriate, such as on dark roads with no oncoming traffic. Switch to low beams when approaching other vehicles to avoid dazzling other drivers.
Turn Signal Indicator Light
- Description: Green arrows flashing on the dashboard indicate the turn signals are active.
- Meaning: Confirms that the left or right turn signal is engaged, notifying other drivers of your intention to turn or change lanes.
- Actions: Ensure the turn signal cancels after the turn is completed, or manually turn it off if necessary.
Front Fog Light Indicator Light
- Description: This green symbol shows a headlight with diagonal lines and a wavy line through it.
- Meaning: Indicates that the front fog lights are switched on, which are used to improve visibility in foggy conditions.
- Actions: Use front fog lights only when visibility is reduced due to fog, rain, or snow. Turn them off when conditions improve.
Are Your Warning Lights On? We’ve Got You Covered
Dashboard warning lights play a vital role in keeping your Škoda safe and running smoothly. When a light appears, it’s essential to address it promptly to avoid further issues.
If you notice a warning light or suspect a problem with your vehicle, Škoda Perth City is here to help. Our expert technicians know everything Škoda and use genuine parts to keep your car in top shape. For reliable Škoda service in Perth, visit us today—we’ll get your vehicle back on the road with confidence.
