Understanding Your Engine Warning Lights
It’s happened to many of us: driving down the highway, everything running smoothly, when suddenly a warning light pops up on your dashboard. It’s a moment that can cause instant anxiety. What does it mean? Is it serious? Can I keep driving, or should I pull over immediately? And most importantly, how much is this going to cost to fix?
Understanding what your engine warning lights are trying to tell you can not only help reduce some of the stress but also ensure you address any potential issues before they turn into costly repairs. Below is a guide to the most common engine warning lights and what they mean.
Check Engine Warning Light
The check engine light is often the most frustrating of all warning lights because it doesn’t give you a clear indication of what’s wrong. It can signal a wide range of issues, from something as simple as a loose fuel cap to more serious problems like an oxygen sensor malfunction or catalytic converter failure.
Modern vehicles are equipped with an OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics 2) system, which monitors the car's engine, emissions, and other components through a network of sensors. When the check engine light comes on, it means the system has detected a fault. A mechanic can plug a diagnostic tool into the OBD-II port (typically located under the dashboard) to read fault codes and diagnose the issue.
What to Do:
If your check engine light comes on, it’s best to get it diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible. If your car is smoking, stalling, or performing abnormally, don’t drive it—have it towed to prevent further damage. At Westside Auto Service, we use advanced diagnostic tools to quickly identify and resolve the issue, so you can get back on the road safely.
Service Engine Warning Light
This light is a little more straightforward than the check engine light. It usually appears briefly when you start the car and is simply a reminder that you're approaching your next scheduled service. Some vehicles monitor kilometres driven since the last service, while others might track engine performance metrics like oil temperature or quality.
If the service engine light appears outside of your normal service interval, it may indicate that your vehicle is detecting more immediate maintenance needs, such as low oil quality, and requires an earlier check-up.
What to Do:
Don’t ignore this light—book your next service to ensure your car stays in optimal condition. At Westside Auto Service, we offer comprehensive servicing, from oil changes to full vehicle inspections.
Electrical Warning Light
The electrical warning light, which looks like a battery symbol, typically appears when you start your vehicle and should disappear once the engine is running. If it stays on or appears while you’re driving, it could indicate that your battery is not charging correctly. This can be due to issues like a broken alternator belt, failing alternator, or poor battery terminal connections.
If ignored, electrical system problems can escalate quickly, leaving you with a drained battery or potentially damaging other components.
What to Do:
Don’t continue driving if this light stays on, as it could lead to more costly repairs like a new alternator or even an overheated engine. Visit Westside Auto Service to have your vehicle’s electrical system inspected and repaired.
Coolant Warning Light
If your coolant warning light comes on, it means your vehicle’s coolant fluid levels are low. Driving with low coolant can lead to engine overheating and serious damage, so it’s important to address this issue right away.
What to Do:
Check your coolant levels and top them up if necessary. Always wait until the engine is cold before opening the radiator cap to avoid burns. If you’re unsure how to check or top off your coolant, or if the light persists, bring your vehicle to Westside Auto Service for a thorough inspection.
Oil Warning Light
There are two types of oil-related warnings to watch for:
- Low Oil Level: This light indicates that your oil levels are dangerously low, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed.
- Low Oil Pressure: This is a more urgent warning. Low oil pressure can cause severe engine damage if not resolved immediately.
What to Do:
For low oil levels, check the dipstick and add oil if necessary. If the oil levels are correct but the light remains on, or if the low oil pressure light appears, stop driving immediately. Have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic at Westside Auto Service to prevent potential engine damage.
Brake Warning Light
The brake warning light can signal various issues depending on your vehicle. Some common brake-related warnings include:
- Park Brake: This light simply means your handbrake is still engaged—an easy fix.
- Brake Fluid: If the brake light remains on, it could indicate low brake fluid levels, which needs immediate attention to ensure your brakes function correctly.
- ABS Light: If your vehicle has an antilock braking system (ABS), this light alerts you to an issue in the ABS system. While you may still have regular braking function, ABS issues can be dangerous in emergency braking situations.
- Simultaneous ABS and Brake Warning Lights: If both lights are on, this is a serious issue indicating potential brake failure.
What to Do:
Brake problems can compromise your safety, so don’t delay getting these lights checked. If both the ABS and brake lights are on at the same time, pull over and call for roadside assistance immediately. At Westside Auto Service, our technicians will diagnose and repair any brake system issues to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
Conclusion: Trust Westside Auto Service for Expert Diagnostics and Repairs
Dashboard warning lights can be stressful, but they’re designed to keep you informed about your vehicle’s health. By understanding what these lights mean, you can take proactive steps to avoid more serious and costly issues down the line. Whether it’s something as simple as topping off your coolant or a more complex engine issue, it’s crucial to address any warning lights as soon as they appear.
At Westside Auto Service, our skilled mechanics are equipped with the latest diagnostic tools to quickly identify and resolve any issues your vehicle may be experiencing. We offer a full range of car servicing options, from routine maintenance, log book servicing to advanced repairs, ensuring your car is safe and reliable for the road ahead.
