01/08/2024
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1. CHECK ENGINE
We'll start with the worst. The check-engine light is the one car owners hate most. Usually, this warning is in the shape of a silhouetted engine, though sometimes it's an even harder to miss all-caps "CHECK ENGINE" message.
While it seems like the scariest, this light is one the most ambiguous because it relates to anything having to do with the car's motor and emissions system. The potential issue could be as minor as a loose wire, an ill-fitting
gas cap, or a worn solenoid. Or it could mean something far more serious is wrong in the heart of the engine itself.
If the check-engine light illuminates while you're driving and everything seems fine with the car, don't panic, but don't ignore it, either. Get the vehicle to a mechanic to run a diagnostic test and source the problem. Since 1996, every new car and light-duty truck sold in the U.S. has been legally required to have an On Board Diagnostic system (OBD). This is a computer that monitors emissions levels and other vital engine components. With an OBD scan, sourcing a problem is easierβsomething as simple as tightening the gas cap might solve the issue. This also prevents an emissions-spewing vehicle from operating without the driver knowing thereβs a problem lurking under the hood.
Should the light turn on and the vehicle suddenly begin operating erratically or making strange noises, pull over immediately and call for a tow. This means thereβs a far more serious problem, such as a misfire that could permanently damage the carβs engine. Ignoring a blinking check-engine light could mean putting yourself at risk, and ruining your carβs powertrain.
2. The battery warning is easy to decipher because it looks exactly like the thing that needs attention. For many car owners, this light conjures up the heart-sinking "whir whir whir" sound of a vehicle trying to start with a flat battery. Don't be fooled if the battery light illuminates but the car starts up and drives normally. There could be a long-term issue with the battery itself, or potential problems with the vehicle's wiring, alternator, or other electrical components.
3. COOLANT TEMPERATURE Looking like a thermometer taking a dip in the ocean, the coolant temperature warning lets you know your car is running too hot. This could be caused by a broken water pump, low coolant levels in the radiator, a leaking or burst coolant hose, or even damage to the radiator itself. These are serious issues and could lead to much bigger engine problems if ignored. Like a blinking check engine light, driving an overheated car is not only unsafe, it also risks permanently ruining your four-wheeled mode of transportation.
4. COOLANT TEMPERATURE
This indicates the internal pieces of your gearbox are reaching a critical point. This might be caused by excessively heavy towing, low transmission fluid levels, or, more seriously, excessive wear on the inner workings of the transmission.
5. OIL PRESSURE WARNING
Winning the award for best throwback dashboard warning light, an oil can (complete with a drop of oil coming from it). An illuminated oil pressure light could indicate something as simple as your car telling you it needs its oil topped off. More seriously, it could mean a leak in the engine, or worn parts like a blown piston ring or broken oil pump. If the engine's dipstick shows oil levels are low and adding oil turns the light off, then you're in luck. If that doesn't do the trick, or the light comes on shortly after you've added oil, it's smart to get the issue checked as soon as possible. Driving for extended periods with an oil pressure warning light illuminated is another sure-fire way of causing big repair bills down the road. Like the gasoline sloshing around in the fuel tank, your carβs oil level is equally essential to keeping your vehicle running.
6. TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
This light looks like two-thirds of a circle with an exclamation point in the middle. Those little lines across the bottom are meant to symbolize the tread of a car tire. Cute, right? Unfortunately, things can get ugly if you're driving on severely under- or overinflated tires. In many modern cars, the tire pressure monitors include a display in the driver's gauges, or in a menu located within the infotainment system, to tell the driver the exact tire pressure at each wheel. As an example, if one tire shows significantly less air pressure than the others, stop the car and refill the tire to the correct pressure rating. Start the car and see if the warning light goes off after a few minutes. If it doesn't, there could be damage to the tire that's causing a rapid leak.
7. BRAKE SYSTEM
We all love to talk about how quickly a car accelerates from zero to 60 mph. But things can get dicey if a vehicle doesnβt come to a quick and controlled stop when the brakes are engaged. A common mistake occurs when the driver pulls away with the parking brake engaged, causing this warning light (or one saying "Parking Brake") to glow. A more troubling culprit could be worn brake pads, low brake fluid levels, or a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). On a similar theme when it comes a carβs stopping power, an illuminated ABS light often means thereβs an issue with a wheel speed sensor, or problem with connections and wiring that could prevent the anti-lock braking system from activating. Itβs still safe to drive your car without ABS, just understand a repair is warranted to restore full braking effectiveness, especially during a panic stop scenario.
8. TRACTION CONTROL, STABILITY CONTROL
It's not meant to look like a car driving down a wild and curvy road, but it kind of does. This warning is often represented as the front view of a car, with two squiggly lines underneath, illustrating what these systems are trying to avoid, which is your vehicle slipping and sliding all over the road. Keep in mind, the traction control and stability control light will turn on when the system is activated. Punch the gas pedal when it's excessively rainy or snowy, and chances are good you'll see this dashboard light illuminate. That only means these systems are doing their job. If they turn on when your car is running at moderate speed on dry surfaces, however, there might be a flaw in the system. A common culprit would be a wheel speed sensor. Many vehicles allow the driver to adjust these systems using some form of driving mode selector. The highest performance settings in many sports cars will greatly minimize or completely deactivate traction control and stability systems.
9. AIRBAG WARNING
It's perfectly normal for this light to turn on when your vehicle is first started. Should it stay illuminated while driving, there could be a problem with one of the vehicle's airbags. This won't cause you to get stuck on the side of the road, but it could be dangerous in the event of an accident.
10.LAMP OUT
One of the less serious dash lights on this list. Then again, if the lamp or bulb in question is a headlamp or taillight, you could be risking an accident or pricey ticket. Ironically, the lamp-out indicator is usually depicted by what looks like a sun with rays around it. A burnt-out lamp or busted bulb wouldn't be as illuminating.
11. WASHER FLUID, DOOR OPEN, LOW FUEL
There are three very basic ones every single person should know and understand. The washer-fluid icon is depicted as a windshield with a jet of water. When this appears, it alerts the driver the car is low on washer fluid. Not a major problem, unless your windscreen is filled with gooey bugs and you donβt have the means to whisk them away. The door-open icon is usually an overhead depiction of a vehicle with one or two doors open. This can be rectified in seconds; close the door or trunk and you're on your way. Last but not least, the low-fuel indicator features the icon of a fuel pump. This means you're running low on gas and it's time for a pit stop. A final helpful hint: The arrow alongside this icon tells you which side of the car the vehicle's gas flap is located.
