A car’s battery runs everything electrical—the engine’s control computer, the radio, the headlights, the ignition system, etc ...

Besides the obvious symbol, there are many ways to find out if your car's engine oil is running low. One is another dashboard signal – the infamous check engine light (CEL).

When something goes wrong with your car, a curious-looking icon illuminates on the dashboard. But what those symbols mean isn’t always obvious.

Light 'em Up: A Guide to Common Dashboard Warning Lights. Knowing what these symbols mean can directly impact your (and your car's) safety.

This symbol means your engine oil might be running low. Refill it to normal range and start the car again. If it's still on after ten or more seconds, there might be a problem with the oil system ...

Engine temperature. What to do: Stop the car immediately MoT fail? No. This thermometer in water symbol means the temperature of the engine is too high either as a result of insufficient coolant in ...

DRIVERS are only just learning what the squiggly symbol on their car dashboard means. Understanding the meaning of the light could help prevent costly repairs if motorists know how to act. Serious … ...

DRIVERS are only just learning what the squiggly symbol on their car dashboard means. Understanding the meaning of the light could help prevent costly repairs if motorists know how to act. Serious … ...

I only know this because I had to look it up for a rental car about two months ago." In fact, it is the engine cooling warning light. The symbol represents a thermometer with wavy lines at the bottom.

Consumer Reports explains what the check engine light means and what to do when you see it: how to tell if your car has a loose gas cap—or a serious engine problem.