11 Important Car Lights and What They Mean
Beeps here, warning lights there, a voice in your ear. Getting behind the wheel these days can feel like you’re flying a jet. While overwhelming, don’t tune it out. Ignoring warning lights can have expensive and dangerous consequences.
Drive safe by getting familiar with 11 of the most common car warning lights.
Exclamation Point in a Triangle: This means something is going wrong within the car that needs to be checked by a mechanic or the dealer as soon as possible.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: This alert kicks on when tire pressure is significantly low and well below the pressure required for safe driving. However, don’t use this light as your only guide for when to put air in the tire. (Learn about the different types of tires for every driving condition.)
Maintenance: This light comes on when it’s time for maintenance-related tasks, such as an oil filter or oil change, fluid level checks, or a tire rotation. Some drivers go based on the car’s mileage, while others monitor the engine.
Check Engine: This could signal anything from a loose gas cap to a major problem in the engine. If you see this light, take your car to a mechanic or dealership as soon as possible.
Airbag/SRS: If this light pops up, there is a malfunction with the airbags, also known as the Supplemental Restraint System, and you should have the car checked out immediately.
ABS or Brake: Seeing this alert could mean a variety of warnings: The parking brake is still on, the brake fluid is low, or there is a problem with the antilock braking system. If you eliminate the first two issues and the light stays on, take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Battery: If your car won’t start and battery light aglow, you’ll likely need to jump it and replace the battery. However, if the car runs fine but the light is on, you may have alternator or wiring trouble and should get it checked right away.
Coolant: The coolant light appears when your car is overheating, coolant is low, there is a leaking hose or bad water pump, or there is radiator damage that can overheat the engine. Overall, overheating can lead to irreparable damage and possibly a fire. Do not drive the car; have it towed it to a mechanic.
Oil Pressure: This light could simply mean you need your oil topped off or, more seriously, you could have a leak or a blown piston ring or broken oil pump. Start by topping off the oil, and if the light comes back on, visit a mechanic.
Traction Control: This warning light usually means traction control is working on slippery roads. If it stays on in dry conditions, the sensor may be malfunctioning, requiring service.
Lamp Out: A burned-out headlight or taillight isn’t urgent, but it’s unsafe and ticket-worthy. Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Final words of wisdom: Keep two versions of your car owner’s manual handy — a hard copy in your glove compartment, and a digital copy bookmarked on your phone for quick access. Additionally, schedule an annual car inspection to find problems before they necessitate costly repairs.
