What Does the Light On My Dashboard Mean?

While you’re likely familiar with standard auto service needs like a tire rotation or oil change, your vehicle will also display a range of dashboard warning lights during your Gastonia and Concord travels. This can lead you to wonder: “What does the light on my dashboard mean?” With a host of symbols to decipher, the service team at Rick Hendrick City Chevrolet is here to break everything down so you can comprehend exactly what your car needs so you can get back behind the wheel in no time!

Dashboard Warning Lights & Their Meanings

Taking a closer look at your dashboard warning lights, you’ll see various symbols which all are meant to notify you of the condition of some of your vehicle’s most essential components. Knowing more about the meaning and urgency of each symbol will help you stay on top of your vehicle maintenance schedule as well as keep tabs on and address any potential issues before they get worse. See a breakdown of the different dashboard warning lights and what they mean below:

Engine Warning Lights:

• Coolant Temp Warning – When your coolant levels are off, your fan isn’t working properly, or if the coolant is leaking, this light will come on.
• Service Vehicle – Usually, this light comes on when an electrical issue occurs.
• Reduced Power Warning – If you see this, you need to have the engine service, as there’s some part of it that’s malfunctioning.
• Cruise Control – When you use cruise control, this light will stay illuminated as long as the system is on.

Brake System Warning Lights:

• Brake System – This light means there’s an issue with your brakes, such as the brake fluid being too low or there’s an ABS problem.
• Traction Control or ESP – This light means your vehicle’s electronic stability system is being utilized.

Safety & Informative Warning Lights:

• Security Alert – If your ignition switch is locked or a door is left ajar, this light will indicate either the tech malfunction or alert you of the open door.
• Fog Lamp – This reminds you when you have your brights on.
• Airbag Fault – Normally, this light appears once the car has started to indicate there’s a fault in the airbag system, and you’ll need to bring your vehicle in for a repair.
• Washer Fluid Reminder – This simply means your washer fluid is low and needs to be replaced.

Tires Warning Lights: 

• Tire Pressure Warning Light– The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has detected that one or more of your tires has a tire pressure rating that’s too low or too high. You should have your tires’ PSI adjusted to the recommended levels as soon as possible to avoid complications. 

Find Trusted Chevrolet Service at Rick Hendrick City Chevrolet

Now that you have a stronger understanding of your dashboard warning lights and symbols, you’ll be better equipped to care for your vehicle on Rock Hill, SC roads and beyond. Rely on great Chevrolet service at Rick Hendrick City Chevrolet and explore how you can save even more on your next visit with our rotating service coupons and specials. There are also more car care tips and tricks, and you can even order OEM parts for sale online from home. Contact us today for more details on your dashboard warning lights and schedule an appointment at our dealership in Charlotte!