Your car is trying to tell you something! Understanding dashboard warning lights is crucial for your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. From strange shapes to bright colors, these lights may seem intimidating at first. But fear not – this quick guide from Christian Brothers Automotive will break down the most common car symbols and their meanings for you. With a little knowledge and understanding, you can keep your car running smoothly and avoid potential breakdowns.

Here are some of the most common dashboard warning lights that you might encounter and how quickly they should be dealt with:

Serious Car Warning Lights (Pull Over ASAP!)

Below are the car symbols and meanings you need to know immediately. If any of these warning lights appear while you’re driving, pull over as soon as possible for your safety.

Check Engine Light

The engine light looks like an oddly shaped box and is usually yellow in color. It’s also a light that you should attend to immediately if it turns on. This is essentially a warning indicating that your car’s computer has detected an abnormality in your engine that should be looked at by a professional – there are many reasons why it could be illuminated!

Temperature Warning Light

Your engine temperature light looks like a spiky thermometer dipped in water and indicates that the temperature in your engine’s coolant has reached critical levels. In other words, your engine is too hot and could be at risk of severe damage if you don’t take immediate action. Don’t hesitate to pull over, pull open your hood, and let it start cooling off, then bring it in for an inspection ASAP!

Brake System Warning Light

The brake system warning light is usually an exclamation mark in a circle, indicating potential failure in the braking system. If this light comes on while you’re driving, your brakes may not function properly, which could be extremely dangerous. Pull over and have the issue addressed immediately by a professional mechanic.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

See the light on your dashboard resembling a magic lamp with a teardrop? This indicates an issue with your oil pressure. It often means your oil level is too low, causing insufficient pressure to lubricate your engine. Adding oil or getting a complete oil and filter change may resolve it, but it's wise to inspect your car as the problem could be more serious.

Important Car Warning Lights (Get Checked Out Soon)

These dashboard warning lights may not require immediate action, but they should still be addressed in a timely manner to avoid potential issues down the road.

Battery Warning Light

Most people can easily recognize the battery light: it’s a rectangle with plus and minus signs, usually red but sometimes yellow. It indicates an issue with your car’s charging system, meaning you’re running solely on battery power. This often indicates a problem with the alternator, which converts the engine’s motion into power for charging the battery and powering devices.

Airbag Indicator Light

Usually red, this light resembles a stick figure holding an exercise ball. It signals an abnormality with your airbag system, which could be related to a single airbag or the entire system. Sometimes, turning your car off and on may resolve the issue. If not, get your car inspected promptly.

Tire Pressure Light

Resembling an oddly drawn semi-circle with an exclamation point in the middle and typically yellow, this is the most common warning light discussed here. It's the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light, signaling under-inflated tires. Add air at a gas station or with an air compressor to the indicated PSI level, and the light should go away within minutes. If it comes on again soon, you may have a leak.

Informational Lights (No Immediate Action Needed)

Some dashboard warning lights are simply indicators that provide information rather than warnings. These are usually easy to identify and don’t require immediate action.

Traction Control Light

If you notice a light resembling the one for slippery road conditions, it's likely your traction control indicator. This light signals that the traction control system is active, helping to prevent your car from skidding or losing control. You may feel a momentary loss of power in the gas pedal as your car regains control on all four tires. The light should turn off after a few seconds.

Anti-Lock Brake Light

This isn’t a reminder to hit the gym – that yellow, circular light that says “ABS” actually stands for “anti-lock brake system.” All modern cars are equipped with an antilock braking system, which makes it much easier to bring your car to a stop without locking your brakes and skidding out of control. This improves stopping power and prevents loss of control when your tires fail to grip the road. The warning light comes on when there’s an issue with this crucial safety system that requires attention.

Why You Should Understand Car Symbols & Their Meanings

Remember, your car's dashboard warning lights are its way of communicating with you. By understanding these car symbols and their meanings, you can ensure the longevity of your vehicle, prevent expensive repairs, and, most importantly, ensure your safety on the road.

Don't neglect these important signs – instead, familiarize yourself with them and know what steps to take when they appear. Your vehicle's health – and your own – might just depend on it!

Need Car Warning Light Services?

If you encounter an urgent warning light or a light that refuses to turn off, don't panic - we're here to help! At Christian Brothers Automotive, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch, trustworthy car maintenance and repair services. When you come into one of our locations, our experienced mechanics will use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to accurately diagnose the issue and get you back on the road in no time.

Don't wait until it's too late – find your nearby Christian Brothers Automotive!