Few things cause more stress than a dashboard warning light turning on unexpectedly. Some lights mean “schedule service soon.” Others mean “pull over immediately.”

Knowing the difference can protect both your vehicle and your safety.

🔴 Red Warning Lights — Stop Driving

Red lights usually indicate an immediate safety risk.

Examples:

• Oil pressure warning
• Engine overheating
• Brake system warning
• Battery/charging failure

If one of these appears:

• Safely pull over
• Turn off the engine
• Avoid driving further

Driving with a red warning light can turn a manageable repair into a major failure.

🟡 Yellow / Amber Lights — Schedule Service Soon

These often indicate:

• Check engine light
• ABS warning
• Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

You can usually drive short distances, but you should:

• Schedule diagnostic testing
• Avoid long trips until checked
• Watch for performance changes

Ignoring these lights can allow small issues to grow.

⚠️ The Check Engine Light: Steady vs. Flashing

This one confuses many drivers.

Steady check engine light:

• Can be emissions-related
• Typically safe to drive short-term
• Should be diagnosed soon

Flashing check engine light:

• Indicates possible active misfire
• Can damage catalytic converter
• Stop driving and seek service immediately

🧠 Why Guessing Is Risky

Dashboard lights don’t tell you:

• How severe the issue is
• What component failed
• Whether it’s safe to continue driving

Proper diagnostics remove guesswork and prevent unnecessary repairs.

The Bottom Line

Warning lights are designed to protect your vehicle — not scare you.

At Christian Brothers Automotive Longmont, we believe in explaining what the light means, what caused it, and what your options are — before recommending repairs.

Education comes before approval.