Your dashboard is equipped with lights that alert you when there’s an issue with your vehicle or remind you that it’s time for service. Knowing what each light means can help you avoid major–and costly–repairs down the road.
The certified service technicians at Boyd Chevrolet strongly recommend bringing in your vehicle as soon as a warning light appears. We’ll diagnose the problem and get you back on the road in no time.
To help you better understand your vehicle, here’s a comprehensive guide to the most common car warning lights and what they mean.
Car Warning Lights You Should Not Ignore
Check Engine Light
The check engine light is one of the most recognizable warning lights and may show up for a variety of reasons, so you don’t necessarily need to panic when you see it. Everything from a loose gas cap to an engine misfire or transmission issue can cause your check engine light to come on. If this light comes on, it’s important to get your vehicle checked by a professional as soon as possible to make sure the issue isn’t serious and if it is, get it fixed immediately.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light looks like an oil can and typically indicates low oil pressure or that your oil pump isn’t circulating enough fluid to properly lubricate the inside of your engine. Driving with low oil pressure can damage your engine, so when you see this light, it’s crucial to check on your oil level and top it off if necessary. If the light remains on, have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic.
Battery Warning Light
One of the easiest to decipher, this light looks like a car battery and signals an issue with your vehicle’s charging system. This could be due to a faulty alternator, battery, or bad electrical connections. If this light comes on, check your battery or have a professional check the entire charging system immediately to avoid getting stranded.
Brake System Warning Light
This light looks like an exclamation mark inside a circle or has the word "BRAKE." It can come on for several reasons, including low brake fluid, a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS), or an engaged parking brake. It’s important to diagnose brake system warnings quickly to ensure your vehicle can operate safely.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
This light looks like an exclamation mark inside a horseshoe and alerts you to low tire pressure. Driving with underinflated tires can affect handling and fuel efficiency. While low tire pressure can indicate a puncture, fluctuating temperatures can also cause this light to come on. Either way, check your recommended tire pressure in your owner's manual and inflate them to proper levels. If the light stays on even if your tires are properly inflated, something is likely wrong with your TPMS sensors. A visit to a mechanic can solve this issue.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
Shaped like a thermometer, this light indicates that your engine is overheating. If this light comes on, stop your vehicle immediately and turn it off to avoid serious engine damage. A red engine temperature light indicates that immediate action is required. After you turn your engine off, check your coolant level and consider having your cooling system inspected.
ABS Warning Light
The ABS light indicates a problem with your anti-lock braking system. An issue with this system is serious since the ABS prevents a vehicle's wheels from locking when the brakes are applied. If the ABS light is illuminated, it means the safety system is not functioning, even if your brakes otherwise feel fine. Have this system checked by a professional as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.
Airbag Warning Light
This light is an icon of a person with a circle in front of them and indicates a problem with the airbag system. This may mean that your airbag has been deployed or that it is faulty. Since airbags are crucial for passenger safety, we recommend addressing this warning light immediately.
Service Vehicle Soon Light
Different from the check engine light, this light typically indicates that your vehicle is due for regular maintenance, such as an oil change or tire rotation. Follow the recommended service schedule set by your manufacturer to keep your car running smoothly.
What to Do When a Warning Light Comes On
So, what do you do when you see a light on your dash? That depends on the color of the light and what it’s indicating.
In general, here are a few tips for dealing with any warning light:
- Stay Calm. A warning light may or may not indicate a serious issue, so there’s no need to panic. Take a deep breath and assess the situation calmly.
- Check Your Owner’s Manual. Your manual will give you some insight into the issue.
- Address Critical Issues. If your manual indicates a serious issue, seek professional help immediately. In extreme situations, you may need to have your car towed to the nearest mechanic.
- Schedule a Service Appointment. If the issue isn’t urgent, schedule a maintenance appointment to diagnose and fix the issue.
- Regular Maintenance. While nothing can help prevent a warning light from ever lighting up, regular maintenance can help reduce the risk and frequency.
Schedule Service at our Chevrolet Service Department in Hendersonville!
When you see a light on your vehicle’s dashboard, schedule service with your trusted Chevrolet dealership! At Boyd Chevrolet, our certified service technicians are here to ensure your Chevrolet vehicle is always running smoothly.
Conveniently located near Greenville, our Chevy dealership in Hendersonville offers comprehensive care, including tire service, brake service, oil changes, and more.
When you’re in the market for a new ride, explore our extensive selection of new Chevrolet vehicles for sale, including cars, trucks, and SUVs! Our lot is stocked with all the latest models, like the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the Chevy Blazer. Plus, our pre-owned vehicle inventory is unmatched. Whether you're looking to buy or lease, we're here to assist you
Make your appointment with us now and keep your car running at its best!