A with circle around it in car with exclamation point

Today’s cars have many different dashboard lights designed to alert drivers to possible problems and to make sure you can take care of those problems quickly.

Here’s a quick guide to common car dashboard icons and what they mean.

1. Check engine light

In newer cars, the lit icon will look like an engine. It means the vehicle’s computer has triggered a diagnostic trouble code indicating there’s an issue. If it occasionally turns on and off, it’s an intermittent problem and you’ll just want to have it checked next time you take it in for maintenance.

However, if it stays on, it means there’s an ongoing problem – though it could be as simple as the gas cap not being closed tightly. If the problem continues, get the engine checked out. If the light flashes rapidly, the problem may be serious and you should get to a repair shop immediately.

2. Tire pressure warning light

This dashboard light looks like a tire with an exclamation point in it and means that the tire pressure in at least one of your tires is low and underinflated. You’ll want to check your tire’s air pressure immediately. You still should check your tire pressure once a month.

3. TPMS light

This dashboard light stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System and when it comes on, there’s a problem with the monitoring system – probably a failed sensor in one of the wheels. Some people mistakenly believe this means the air pressure is low in the tires, but the TPMS is responsible for keeping track of air pressure in the tires; when it notices a tire is low, it triggers the low tire pressure light. If the TPMS light remains on, have the sensors checked during regular maintenance – and never rely solely on warning signals.

4. Oil pressure warning light

If you see a dashboard light that looks like an oil can, you need to pull over at the nearest gas station. This light signals the loss of oil pressure, and you need to check to make sure you aren’t losing oil.

5. Engine temperature warning light

A warning dashboard light that looks like a thermometer means the engine’s temperature is beyond the normal limits, and it should be checked immediately to keep your car from overheating. You’ll want to check the coolant level and make sure the radiator cap is properly sealed as well as look for coolant leaks. Always allow time for the engine to cool down before checking the coolant level, however, to avoid getting burned.

6. Battery charge warning light

When the dashboard light that looks like a battery comes on, your voltage level is below normal. It means the vehicle’s charging system isn’t functioning properly, so you need to have the battery terminals and alternator checked. If it’s an older battery, you may need to replace it. Learn more about when to change your car battery.

7. Brake system warning light

The dashboard light that looks like a circle inside a set of parenthesis with an exclamation point in the middle represents your brake system – and if it comes on while driving, you need to pay immediate attention to it. It could be triggered by driving with the parking brake on, but it can also mean you’re losing brake fluid.

If it comes on and off intermittently, and you don’t notice a change in braking ability, you should get it to a repair shop as soon as possible. But if it stays on there’s a problem that needs to be taken care of immediately, and you should have it towed to a repair shop.

In the case that you do need to go to a repair shop and have work done, make sure you have the best coverage. Learn more about how Nationwide auto insurance can protect you and save you money.

You’re driving down the road on an average day, when suddenly you see a light begin to flash on your vehicle’s dash. It’s one of your vehicle’s many warning lights. However, you can’t quite remember what this one means, and you don’t have time to check your vehicle manual.

Believe it or not, this is quite the common occurrence among drivers. Knowing the difference between the warning signals in your car can help you understand the gravity of the situation at hand. Here at Riverhead Nissan, we’ve decided to help instruct drivers on what different vehicle warning lights mean.

Antilock Brake Warning

This one is easy enough to identify. A circle with “ABS” in the middle indicates that something is wrong with your antilock brake system and that you should have that checked out by a professional immediately.

Engine Temperature Warning

If you see a symbol that looks like a key standing above the ocean, this indicates that something is wrong with your engine that is causing it to overheat and exceed regular temperatures.

Tire Pressure Warning

A symbol that looks like an exclamation mark in a horseshoe is the tire pressure warning light. This lets you know when your tires aren’t exactly filled with enough air. Stop by a local air pump to take care of this problem.

Lamp Out Warning

If you see a symbol that looks like the sun on your dash, this usually indicates that one of the exterior lights of your vehicle is not functioning properly. If you plan on doing any night driving in the near future, you should replace that malfunctioning lamp!

If you're driving along and you see one of these warning lights illuminate on your dash, make sure you give us a call to make an appointment. Our service staff is happy to help you with any of your vehicle service needs!

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