What Does the Light On My Dashboard Mean?

Your vehicle has a long list of dashboard warning lights to let you know when there’s an issue with the key components and systems. But if you aren’t familiar with the various warning lights and one of them comes on while you’re driving in Birmingham, you’ll be left to wonder, “What does the light on my dashboard mean?” Understanding what each warning light tells you is crucial to knowing how to react. As always, you can count on the service team at Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover to fill you in on everything you should know! Read our quick guide below to learn more about the dashboard warning lights in your vehicle. 

Dashboard Warning Lights and What They Tell You

If you’re looking at your car’s instrument cluster while asking yourself, “What does the light on my dashboard mean?”, the guide below can help! 

Engine Warning Lights

• Coolant Temp Warning – You will see this light if the coolant volume is wrong, the fan is faulty, or if there is a coolant leak.
• Service Vehicle – This is a more generalized warning light that alerts you to an issue within the electrical components.
• Reduced Power Warning – If you ever see this light, you need to schedule an appointment for engine service as soon as possible. This light indicates a malfunction within the engine.
• Cruise Control – This is more of an indicator than a warning light, simply letting you know that cruise control is activated when you’re using the feature on the interstate.

Brake System Warning Lights

• Brake System – This is another dashboard warning light that should be treated with more urgency, as you need functioning brakes to stay safe on Vestavia Hills roads. The Brake System light reacts to more than one potential brake system issue, so it could be anything from low brake fluid to an ABS issue if you see this light.
• Traction Control or ESP – This indicator light alerts you when traction control or the Electronic Stability Program has been activated. 

Safety & Informative Warning Lights

• Security Alert – If you see a tech malfunction alert, it means your ignition switch is locked. If you see a door ajar alert, it means one of your doors or the trunk hatch isn’t completely shut.
• Fog Lamp – This light stays on when you’re using your fog lamps so you know they’re actually on, but it also serves as a reminder that the lights are on so you remember to turn them off.
• Airbag Fault – If the airbag system has a malfunction, this light will appear as soon as you start the car. Don’t delay having your vehicle inspected, as the airbags are critical for your safety on the Bessemer roads.
• Washer Fluid Reminder – This is an alert you’ll see when you need to refill the wiper fluid reservoir.

Tires Warning Lights

• Tire Pressure Warning Light– Your car’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has detected incorrect tire pressure in one or more of your tires. Check the current PSI for each tire, then add or release air as needed.

Keep Your Vehicle in Shape at Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover!

Now you know the meaning of the various dashboard warning lights in your car, but maybe you have other related questions, like how to reset the engine light if it won’t turn off. Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover has all the service tips and tricks you need to keep your vehicle in shape! Fill out a contact form if you have other questions you’d like to speak with a service advisor about.