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 So What Do These Lights Look Like & What Do They Mean? 

Dash warning lights are also known as malfunction indicator lights (MIL). The purpose is to inform the driver if there's a malfunction in any of the systems that the car's computers monitor. These systems are:

• Engine management and emissions
• Air bags and seatbelts (SRS)
• Antilock brakes (ABS) and traction control
• Tire pressure (TPMS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESP)

In addition there's a warning light for low oil pressure. Some vehicles also illuminate a light for low coolant, low engine oil level, low washer fluid, door ajar, headlight or taillight out and transmission oil too hot.

#1 - Engine Management & Emission 

The light is an engine icon, a message that says check engine or a message that says "service engine soon". If one of these lights is on steady it indicates a problem that could cause excessive emissions, diminished drivability or poor gas mileage. If the light is flashing it indicates a condition that could cause damage to the engine or emission system. The vehicle should not be driven with a check engine light flashing.  

#2 - Air Bags and Seatbelts

The light will say "SRS" or it is an icon of a person with a big beach ball (indicates airbag) in their lap. If there's a fault in this system, the air bags may be disabled and not deploy in an accident.

#3 - Antilock Brakes and Traction Control

This light will say ABS and maybe TCS. If this system has a fault, the brakes will work but the antilock feature won't operate. If the brakes are applied hard the car will skid rather than lock unlock.

#4 - Tire Pressure (TPMS)

This stands for tire pressure monitoring system. The icon is the cross-section of a tire with an ! inside it. It looks more like the scrubbing bubbles thing to me. If this is illuminated the tire pressures should all be checked, including the spare, when the tires are cold.

#5 - Electronic Stability Control

Also called ESP, this icon is a picture of a car with wavy skid marks behind it. ABS, TCS, and ESP all work together so it is not uncommon to get a combination of these lights. ESP will apply the brakes to one or two wheels at a time if it senses the vehicle might lose control.

Other warning lights are oil pressure that uses the oil can icon that looks like something you could rub to get three wishes. If this light comes on don't wish for anything but a place to pull over and a charged cell phone to call a tow truck. Severe engine damage can occur if the car is driven with low oil pressure. The same is true of the engine temperature warning. This icon is a red thermometer and damage will occur if driven in this condition.

These are sometimes called idiot lights because if they are ignored and additional damage occurs, you feel like an idiot. The most effective thing to do to understand all these potential warnings is to get out your owner's manual and familiarize yourself with the section on instrument panel warning lights.