Your car’s dashboard is like a communication system, constantly keeping you updated on the health of your vehicle. When a warning light flashes, it’s your car’s way of saying something needs attention. Understanding these lights can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common car warning lights, what they mean, and when you need to take action.

1. Engine Warning Light

What It Looks Like: A yellow or orange engine symbol.
What It Means: This light indicates a problem with the engine or emissions system. It could be something minor like a loose gas cap or a more serious issue such as engine misfire or oxygen sensor failure.

When to Act:
● Immediate action: If the light is flashing, pull over safely and call a professional.
● Schedule service: If it’s steady, book an appointment to diagnose the issue.

2. Oil Pressure Warning Light

What It Looks Like: An oil can symbol.
What It Means: Low oil pressure or insufficient oil levels. Ignoring this can lead to engine damage.

When to Act:
● Stop driving immediately. Check your oil level, and if it’s low, add oil. If the light remains on, seek professional help.

3. Battery Warning Light

What It Looks Like: A battery symbol.
What It Means: Your car’s battery isn’t charging properly. This could result from a failing alternator, loose battery cables, or a dying battery.

When to Act:
● Check the battery connections.
● If the problem persists, visit a service center to test and possibly replace the battery or alternator.

4. Brake Warning Light

What It Looks Like: An exclamation mark inside a circle or the word “BRAKE.”
What It Means: This can indicate low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or an issue with the brake system.

When to Act:
● Top off brake fluid if it’s low.
● If the light stays on or if braking feels off, have your brakes inspected immediately.

5. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light

What It Looks Like: An exclamation mark inside a horseshoe.
What It Means: One or more tires have low pressure. Driving with low tire pressure can reduce fuel efficiency and cause uneven tire wear.

When to Act:
● Check tire pressures using a gauge and inflate as needed. If the light persists, there may be a sensor issue.

6. Coolant Temperature Warning Light

What It Looks Like: A thermometer submerged in water.
What It Means: Your car’s engine is overheating. This can be caused by low coolant levels, a failing radiator, or a malfunctioning thermostat.

When to Act:
● Pull over safely and let the engine cool.
● Check coolant levels, but never open a hot radiator. Call for professional assistance if needed.

7. ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) Warning Light

What It Looks Like: The letters “ABS.”
What It Means: A problem with the anti-lock braking system, which helps prevent skidding during sudden braking.

When to Act:
● The car is safe to drive, but your ABS might not function in emergencies
● Get it checked soon to avoid potential safety risks.

8. Airbag Warning Light

What It Looks Like: A person with a circle in front of them
What It Means: An issue with the airbag system, meaning it may not deploy in an accident.

When to Act:
● Schedule a repair immediately, as this is a safety-critical feature.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Warning Lights

Ignoring warning lights can lead to:
● Reduced vehicle performance
● Increased repair costs
● Potential safety hazards

Samco Automotive specializes in diagnosing and fixing all types of car warning light issues. With our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and experienced technicians, we ensure your car remains safe and reliable on the road.