5 less common warning lights that car drivers should know about.

1. Glow plug light

Due to the design and operating characteristics of diesel engines, vehicles using this type of engine may be difficult or impossible to start after being parked for a long time or overnight. In such cases, the driver must preheat the combustion chamber before starting.

Modern cars typically have two ways to preheat the combustion chamber: preheating by turning the ignition key to the manufacturer's designated position, or using a button on vehicles equipped with one (usually trucks). When the ignition key is turned to the preheating position, or the button is pressed and held for 7-10 seconds, the indicator light on the dashboard will illuminate, indicating that the combustion chamber is being preheated. Afterward, start the engine as normal.

2. Water level warning light for the engine oil filter (primary filter)

Similar to the glow plug light, the oil filter water warning light only appears on vehicles using diesel engines.

This warning light has a filter cup icon and is orange or yellow. If this light comes on after the engine has started, it means there is water in the fuel, and the water level in the filter has exceeded the permissible limit. In this case, you need to remove the fuel filter, clean out the water, and reinstall it. If the problem persists, replace the filter with a new one.

Although it doesn't immediately affect the car, this fault must be thoroughly fixed to avoid affecting other engine components such as the high-pressure pump and fuel injectors.

3. Low windshield washer fluid warning light

When this light appears on the dashboard, it means the windshield washer fluid level is below the recommended level and needs to be topped up immediately. This is especially problematic on dusty roads, such as those under construction, in suburban areas, unpaved roads, or during rain, as low windshield washer fluid can severely restrict the driver's visibility and pose a significant safety hazard.

To distinguish it from other reservoirs such as coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid, manufacturers usually mark the windshield washer fluid reservoir cap with a symbol, similar to the symbol on the dashboard.

4. Filter Deposit Error Indicator Light

If this light is flashing on the dashboard, it means there's a problem with the carbon deposit filter in your car's exhaust system. In other words, your car is emitting more harmful fumes than normal.

Don't ignore this light on your dashboard. A clogged carbon deposit filter can damage your engine, and the repair costs will be much higher then.

5. Cruise Control (automatic throttle) indicator light

Cruise control is a very common system that makes driving more comfortable and pleasant on long journeys, on empty roads, or on highways. New drivers, or those driving unfamiliar car models for the first time, can use the indicator light on the dashboard to turn off cruise control if they accidentally activate it.

There are usually three types of symbols for this warning light: a clock symbol with a downward arrow on the outer edge, the letters "A/D", and the word "CRUISE".