Your car’s dashboard is more than just a control center—it’s also a key communicator, letting you know when something’s wrong under the hood. Whether you're cruising down the highway or stuck in traffic, those little warning lights are there to grab your attention. But what do they really mean? Ignoring them could lead to costly repairs, so it's important to understand what these lights are telling you.
In this blog post, we'll break down the most common dashboard warning lights, explain what they mean, and show you how Hillside Auto Repair can help if you’re seeing a troubling light on your dash. After all, we stand behind our work with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor—so you can trust us to get you back on the road with confidence!
Check Engine Light (CEL)
The Check Engine Light is one of the most common and dreaded dashboard indicators. It typically looks like an engine icon, sometimes with the words “Check Engine” next to it. When this light comes on, it could signal a wide range of issues, from a loose gas cap to a more serious problem like a malfunctioning oxygen sensor or catalytic converter.
If the light blinks, that’s even more concerning. A blinking CEL indicates a severe issue, such as an engine misfire, which can cause long-term damage if not addressed immediately. At Hillside Auto Repair, we have the diagnostic tools to read the error codes from your vehicle’s computer system and determine the precise cause of the issue.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light typically looks like an oil can. If it turns on, it means there’s an issue with the oil pressure in your engine, which could be caused by low oil levels or a failing oil pump. Driving with low oil pressure can lead to serious engine damage, so don’t ignore this warning. If you see this light, stop driving and have your car inspected right away at Hillside Auto Repair.
Battery Warning Light
This light looks like a battery and typically illuminates when there’s an issue with your car’s charging system, such as a malfunctioning alternator or a weak battery. If your battery light comes on, you may notice your car losing power or your electrical components behaving erratically. We can check your battery and charging system at Hillside Auto Repair to ensure you’re never left stranded with a dead battery.
Brake System Warning Light
The brake system warning light usually appears as a circle with an exclamation mark inside it, and it could mean a few different things. It may indicate low brake fluid levels, a problem with the braking system, or a malfunction in the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Your brakes are crucial to your safety, so if this light comes on, get your vehicle checked out by a professional—preferably at Hillside Auto Repair.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
This light typically looks like an exclamation point inside a horseshoe-shaped tire. It signals that one or more of your tires may be underinflated. Proper tire pressure is vital for safe handling, tire longevity, and fuel efficiency. If this light comes on, take a moment to check your tire pressures and fill them as needed. If the light remains on, it could indicate a leak or faulty sensor—another reason to schedule an appointment with Hillside Auto Repair.
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
Often depicted as a thermometer floating in liquid, this warning light indicates that your engine is overheating. Overheating can cause severe damage to your engine, so it’s critical to pull over and let the engine cool down if you see this light. Afterward, get your vehicle to Hillside Auto Repair to ensure that the cooling system is working properly and that there are no underlying issues.
ABS Warning Light
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) light usually looks like the letters “ABS” inside a circle. If this light comes on, it could indicate a malfunction in the ABS system, which could affect your ability to stop safely in certain conditions. Although your regular brakes may still work, it’s best to have the ABS system inspected at Hillside Auto Repair to keep your braking performance at its best.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This light looks like a thermometer inside a gear symbol and signals that your transmission is overheating. Transmission issues can be costly to repair, so if you see this warning, pull over safely and allow the vehicle to cool down. It’s best to get your transmission checked by our experienced technicians at Hillside Auto Repair to prevent further damage.
Airbag Warning Light
The airbag light typically appears as a figure of a person with a circle in front of them, representing a deployed airbag. If this light comes on, it means there’s a malfunction in the airbag system, which could be dangerous in the event of an accident. Make sure to have your airbag system checked by our team as soon as possible to ensure your safety.
Power Steering Warning Light
This light often looks like a steering wheel with an exclamation mark. If it lights up, it means there’s an issue with your vehicle’s power steering system, such as low fluid levels or a failing pump. While you may still be able to steer, it could become more difficult as the problem worsens. Visit Hillside Auto Repair for a power steering system inspection to keep your ride smooth and easy.
Why Choose Hillside Auto Repair?
At Hillside Auto Repair, we know that dashboard warning lights can be both confusing and stressful. That’s why our skilled team is here to diagnose the issue and provide reliable, high-quality repair services to get you back on the road quickly and safely. We proudly offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on both parts and labor because we stand behind the quality of our work. When you choose us, you’re choosing peace of mind and top-notch service.