Warning Lights, Beeping and the SOS Button

Modern cars beep and show warning lights for many reasons. Most are harmless reminders, but some mean you should stop. Here is what the most common ones mean and what to do.

Why is my car beeping?

  • Seat belt – someone in the car isn't buckled up, or a heavy bag on a seat is detected as a passenger.
  • Door, trunk or hood open – check that everything is fully closed.
  • Lights or key – the lights are still on, or the key is inside the car when you open the door.
  • Parking sensors – the car is close to an obstacle.
  • Driver assistance – for example a lane, speed limit or collision warning.
  • Low fuel or charge – fill up or charge soon.
  • Ice warning – many cars beep and show a snowflake when the outside temperature is near 0 °C. The road may be icy, so slow down.

Look at the dashboard: the beep almost always comes with a message or a symbol that tells you what it is about.

Warning lights: what the colors mean

  • Red – stop as soon as it is safe and turn off the engine. Examples: engine temperature, oil pressure, brakes or battery. Call 24 Road Assistance.
  • Yellow or orange – something needs attention soon, but you can usually continue carefully. Examples: tire pressure, engine check or low fuel. If you are unsure, call 24 Road Assistance.
  • Green or blue – information only, for example headlights or cruise control on.

Tire pressure warning

In cold weather the tire pressure drops, and the warning light can come on even without a puncture. Stop in a safe place and check the tires for visible damage. If a tire looks flat, or the light comes on suddenly while you are driving, call 24 Road Assistance.

The SOS button (eCall)

Most newer cars have an SOS button, usually in the roof console above the rear-view mirror. It is part of the European eCall system: pressing it connects you directly to the emergency number 112, and after a serious accident the car can call 112 automatically and send its location.

  • Only use the SOS button in an emergency – injuries, a serious accident or danger.
  • For a breakdown, a flat tire or a warning light, call 24 Road Assistance at +354 419 2400 instead.
  • Pressed it by mistake? Stay on the line and tell the operator that it was a mistake.

Who to call

See also What to do in case of an accident or breakdown and Winter driving in Iceland.

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