What’s your car trying to tell you? Dashboard warning lights are one key way your vehicle can communicate any issues that may be flying under the radar. Whether or not you’ve noticed other signs of trouble or a warning light on the dashboard is the first, it can point you in the right direction for diagnostics and repairs — or simply closing a door that isn’t latched.
Let’s take a closer look at some common warning lights and what they may mean.
Door Ajar Warning Light
Do you see a warning light that looks like a car with a door open? The door ajar warning light is telling you that one or more doors are either open or not securely closed. Typically, this includes the driver and passenger doors, trunk or rear hatch, and hood. If you see this warning light, check each door before driving to avoid one flying open on the road.
Wiper Fluid Level Warning Light
The low wiper fluid indicator light can look like a fountain in an arching rectangle. If you see this warning light, it means your wiper fluid is low and should be refilled soon. While this fluid is essential to help maintain visibility while driving, you should still have a few uses left once the light comes on. As soon as possible, buy more wiper fluid and fill the reservoir under the hood of your car.
Check Engine Light
Though the check engine light can be vague, potentially indicating a variety of car problems, it typically points to components related to the engine and emissions. The first step to figuring out what this warning light means is to check trouble codes. Some common issues that can trigger the check engine light include misfires, worn sensors, a vacuum leak, or even a loose gas cap.
Traction Control Light
This dashboard light is more a warning of driving conditions than of an issue with your vehicle. In fact, it means that the traction control system is engaged to help your vehicle’s tires maintain grip on the road. You may also see an ABS indicator light flash on, indicating the anti-lock braking system is engaged. On the other hand, if this light stays on while you drive, it likely means there’s an issue with the system and it’s not operating properly.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
If you see a light that looks like an oil can or dripping oil, it means oil pressure in the engine is low. This can mean low engine oil, a worn or clogged oil pump, a leak in the oil pan, or another issue that’s preventing proper oil flow and pressurization. Low oil pressure can lead to serious engine trouble, so it’s important to find a safe place to pull to the side of the road and get to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Battery Warning Light
A dashboard light that looks like a battery with plus and minus symbols indicates a problem with parts in the charging system. This could be a bad battery, worn or damaged wires, or a faulty alternator. If this light comes on in your vehicle, you’ve likely noticed other symptoms already, too, such as difficulty starting your car or flickering headlights.
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
Is there a light that looks like a thermometer submerged in waves? The coolant temperature light commonly comes on to indicate the engine is overheating and/or the level of coolant is low. These issues often go hand in hand and need to be fixed as soon as possible. If coolant is low, it can be topped off as a temporary solution, but it’s essential to have the location of the leak identified to prevent serious engine damage.
Tire Pressure Warning Light
Seasonal changes can impact tire pressure — and so can a rogue nail. In either case, if air is leaking from any of your car’s tires, it can trigger the tire pressure warning light, which looks like a flat tire with an exclamation mark in it. If you see this warning light, check the air pressure in each tire and top off any that are low. Continue monitoring tire pressure to make sure leaks are caught as soon as possible — and avoid driving on a flat tire.
AAMCO’s Mechanics Can Help With Any Dashboard Warning Light
Dashboard warning lights can help catch car problems early — and even more so with the help of the right mechanic. Visit your local AAMCO Tallahassee mechanics and we’ll help diagnose any issue with your vehicle, whether a dashboard warning light is on or you’ve noticed other symptoms. Schedule your appointment with us today!