Dashboard warning lights are such an important part of our vehicles. Yet many go unnoticed or ignored. There are a variety of lights and symbols you may see appear on your dashboard with vague depictions of the system the vehicle is warning you about. While not every light that could appear on your dash is “as important,” as some other crucial to understand what the different lights mean and what to do about them.
Colors of the Warning Lights
The easiest way to narrow down the meaning of your warning light is the color the light displays on the dashboard. While the symbol typically describes the system in need of attention, the color rather indicates how soon it needs to be addressed.
Blue/Green
Blue and green dashboard lights are used to signal that a system is working and operating. For example, the headlight icon is often illuminated blue or green to show the driver the system is active and working. These lights are there to provide information about active systems, not alert you of a problem.
Yellow/Orange
Yellow and orange lights are often used to show that a system needs to be serviced, repaired, or otherwise attended to. The most common light you’ll see is the low fuel light, but some systems do utilize yellow or orange warning lights like the check engine light.
Red/Blinking
If you notice a red and/or blinking light on and off, it’s a warning of a critical issue that should be addressed immediately. This likely is safety-related, such as the seatbelt, airbag lights, or a mechanical issue such as a misfire or overheating in the engine.
Common Dash Lights You Should Know
TPMS Light
Your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) alerts you to tires that aren’t at the proper pressure. Tires with low PSI can make driving more difficult, reduce fuel economy, and also make driving conditions unsafe. When confronted with this light, you should check your tire pressure manually and how low your tires are inflated as soon as you can to ensure your vehicle is safe and comfortable to drive.
Oil Pressure Light
One of the most important lights to keep an eye on is the oil pressure light. When this symbol appears on your dash, it’s alerting you that the pressure within the oil system is not adequate. This issue can appear for a few reasons. This could mean your vehicle is critically low on oil, the flow of oil through the engine is impeded, or your oil pump is unable to circulate enough oil to properly lubricate the engine. Low oil pressure is a big problem for your vehicle, as a lack of lubrication can cause catastrophic damage to your engine.
Traction Control Light
You won’t see your traction control light often, but when it is on, the driver should understand the meaning of it and how it affects the driving mechanics of the vehicle. When this light is present on your dashboard, you should drive very carefully and stay aware of the road conditions. If your traction control system is inoperable, bring your vehicle in for an inspection and repair to ensure it is safe to drive in inclement weather.
ABS Warning Light
Similar to your traction control system, the anti-brake lock system (ABS) is your vehicle’s way of keeping you safe. ABS prevents your vehicle from locking up or stopping the wheels from turning and causing the vehicle to slide. Under heavy braking, your vehicle’s ABS allows your wheels to keep turning and prevents loss of traction and flat spots on your tires. This won’t prevent you from driving; however, you should be cautious when braking while ABS is not active, as it can lead to dangerous situations under heavy braking or evasive driving.
Brake Warning Light
When the brake warning light appears on your dashboard, it has multiple meanings. This light is most often seen when the parking brake is engaged and will be turned off when the parking brake is released. However, the meaning changes completely when the light is present while driving. If the warning light is consistently lit, it means your braking system needs attention. Either the hydraulic pressure is too low on one side of the system, or the fluid level in the master cylinder is critically low. Driving with compromised brakes is extremely dangerous and should be inspected immediately.
Engine Temperature Light
The engine temperature light activates when your engine’s temperature rises above the maximum safe operating temperature. This can happen for various reasons, but an overheating motor is not an issue to ignore.
Vehicle Diagnostics in Kent, WA
While there are numerous dashboard warning lights that give you an idea of what’s wrong, it’s impossible to determine the exact issue without a proper diagnosis from an automotive professional. At Premier Automotive Services, we understand the stress and confusion that car troubles can cause. That’s why we strive to make your experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Our transparent pricing, timely repairs, and excellent communication ensure that you leave our shop satisfied and confident in your vehicle’s performance.