Vehicle warning lights can be scary. It's tempting to
want to ignore them when they pop up on our
dashboard.
Fortunately, they aren't as bad as they may seem-
they're there to warn us, not spell disaster. Here are
the most common ones you're likely to see:
Check Engine Light - This could mean a number of things. Use a
code reader or ask a professional to find out what it means.
Common reasons include faulty O2 sensors, faulty spark plugs,
a loose gas cap, or a damaged catalytic converter.
Battery/Charging Alert - This is a warning that your battery's voltage level
is below normal. Check the battery condition, alternator belt, and battery
terminals, all of which could be causes.
Oil Pressure Warning - This indicates a loss in oil pressure. Check
oil level and pressure as soon as possible. You will most likely need
an oil change soon.
Coolant Temperature Warning - This is a sign that coolant temperature is
too high. If this light comes on, stop in a safe area and let the engine cool
down. Check that coolant level is where it should be and that there are no
leaks. Also check the radiator cap and that the fans are functioning.
Brake System - This could be one of three things: there's a problem with
the ABS, braking fluid is low, or your parking brake is on. Be cautious on
the brakes and don't create situations where you will need to suddenly
slam on them.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System - If your car is equipped with a Tire
Pressuring Monitoring System, this light warns that one or more tire
pressures are too low. Under-inflation leads to increased tire wear
and higher fuel consumption.
Check Engine Light - This could
mean a number of things. Use a
code reader or ask a
professional to find out what it
means. Common reasons
include faulty O2 sensors, faulty
spark plugs, a loose gas cap, or
a damaged catalytic converter.
Battery/Charging Alert - This is a
warning that your battery's voltage
level is below normal. Check the
battery condition, alternator belt,
and battery terminals, all of which
could be causes.
Oil Pressure Warning - This
indicates a loss in oil pressure.
Check oil level and pressure as
soon as possible. You will most
likely need an oil change soon.
Coolant Temperature
Warning - This is a sign that
coolant temperature is too
high. If this light comes on,
stop in a safe area and let
the engine cool down. Check
that coolant level is where it
should be and that there are
no leaks. Also check the
radiator cap and that the
fans are functioning.
Brake System - This could be
one of three things: there's a
problem with the ABS, braking
fluid is low, or your parking
brake is on. Be cautious on the
brakes and don't create
situations where you will need
to suddenly slam on them.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- If your car is equipped with a
Tire Pressuring Monitoring
System, this light warns that one
or more tire pressures are too
low. Under-inflation leads to
increased tire wear and higher
fuel consumption.
