Light work: spot the hidden warning lights on the dashboard

Set against the view from the driver's seat, this brainteaser is challenging readers to see how well they really know their dashboard. 

With so many symbols on a modern dashboard, it's little surprise that drivers don't always feel confident about what each one means. In fact, recent research shows that nearly 9 in 10 UK drivers (91%) are unable to identify all dashboard warning lights, while almost half (46%) can't identify even half of them. From seatbelt reminders to lane assist alerts, the variety of icons can make it tricky to know which are quick fixes and which signal a serious problem that shouldn't be ignored. 

Your task: to correctly identify five common but often misunderstood warning lights that every UK driver should know.

Sounds simple? Not so fast. Only one in four can successfully recognise what their dashboard is telling them, while another quarter admit they'd be left scratching their heads or reaching for the manual. 

Think you can do better? See if you can spot all of these dashboard warning lights in the image below:

• Glow plug indicator 
• Engine management light 
• Anti-lock braking system warning light 
• Stability control indicator 
• Tyre pressure monitoring system warning light 

Still struggling? Don't worry, here's the answers... 

Glow plug indicator 💡

This warning light, often found on diesel cars, looks like a small coil or spring. It signals that the engine's glow plugs are warming up and the car shouldn't be started until it goes out.

Engine management light

Shaped like the outline of an engine, this light indicates a problem detected by the car's electronic control system. It could be something minor, or a sign of a more serious issue that needs checking quickly.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) ⛔

This circular symbol with the letters 'ABS' inside, signals a fault with the anti-lock braking system. If illuminated, the car's safety system may not work correctly in an emergency stop.

Stability control indicator

Show as a car with a wavy marks underneath, this light flashes when traction control is active, but if it stays on, it may mean the system has a fault.

Tyre pressure monitoring system ❗

Looking like an exclamation mark inside a flat tyre, this warning means one or more tyres are under-inflated and should be checked immediately.

Other symbols shown on the dashboard include: 

• Door ajar warning 
• Engine oil warning
• Supplement restrain system warning 
• Engine temperature warning 
• Main beam indicator
• Rear fog lights indicator 
• Brake system 
• Low fuel warning