Warning Lights: Understanding and Treating Them

Our cars have been equipped with a myriad of different warning lights that can signal a variety of new problems…which typically require immediate attention!

Understanding these warning lights can help you, the carowner, react quickly in an emergency or urgent situation.

Read more to learn what some of the most common car light signals mean!

Here are some of the most common lights that signify a serious problem with your vehicle:

1. Engine Temperature:

This light will typically look like a thermometer sitting within liquid. When this light appears, it usually means that your engine temperature has risen to abnormal levels and could be overheating. Read about how to combat engine overheating in our “What To Do If Your Car Overheats” post.

2. Brake Warning:

This light typically looks like a circle with an exclamation or caution mark within it. This can mean that the handbrake is on OR that there is something wrong with the brake (such as uneven hydraulic pressure or leakage of the fluid in the master cylinder).

3. Battery Charge:

Per the name, the battery charge sign will usually look like a rectangular battery. This light signifies that the car’s battery is low power and/or that there is a problem with the battery or alternator.

4. Oil Pressure:

This light typically looks like an oil can and can have a few leakage droplets next to it. When this light is on, immediately check oil pressure and level. This light can signify a loss of oil pressure or low oil levels.

5. Tire Pressure:

This light does not look like a conventional tire, and is instead a pear-shaped outline with separated lines on the bottom and a caution exclamation in the middle. When this light is on, it can mean that the tire pressure is low and the tire needs to be replaced or refilled.

There are also lights that signify a safety concern to the operation or owner of the vehicle:

1. Traction Control:

The traction control light can flip on and off depending on the type of road condition and driving patterns. This light typically looks like the back of a car with a few “squiggly” lines to signify the road. When the traction control system is turned off, the light will typically have the word “OFF” on it, while it is turned on it will simply appear.

2. Icy Road:

This light does NOT signal that there is ice on the road at the moment, but rather that the outside temperature is around freezing (around or below 35ºF) and could mean icy conditions. The light often looks like a road with a snowflake on it.

3. Service Vehicle Soon:

Unlike the routine maintenance light, this light looks like a car with a wrench through it. This light is more serious and requires immediate attention as it signifies that there’s a problem with something in the vehicle chassis system (ABS system, TCS system, brake hydraulic system, suspension system, etc.).

4. Powertrain Fault:

The powertrain is the entire system of components that push your vehicle forwards to drive by creating and using power from the engine to propel the wheels. If the powertrain light is on (usually looks like a wrench), visit your mechanic as soon as possible as there is a fault within the system that has been disabled.

5. Distance Warning:

Some cars have a distance warning sign (a triangle with a car within it) that alerts the owner when there is an obstruction in front of the car and that the vehicle is approaching the car too quickly.

Understanding and memorizing the above signal lights can help car owners operate their cars safely and efficiently. It is always important to pay attention to new lights that appear, especially after collisions or accidents, as many of them can signal dangerous new problems that need immediate attention.

Bring your car into the Russ Darrow Collision Center for assistance on repairing your post-accident vehicle!