What Does the Light On My Dashboard Mean?

When you’re driving in Bloomington and one of your dashboard warning lights illuminates, your first response might be to panic just a little bit. That doesn’t have to be the case! While each dashboard warning light has a different meaning, it’s not difficult to get knowledgeable about the various dashboard warning lights in your car with this handy guide from the service department at Suburban Chevrolet.

Dashboard Warning Lights & Their Meanings

Take a look at these descriptions of what some of the less common — but equally important — dashboard warning lights mean so that you’re not thrown for a loop if one should illuminate during a Minnetonka drive:

Brake System Warning Lights:

• Brake System – Either your brake fluid is low, there’s an ABS issue, or something else is wrong with your brakes.
• Traction Control or ESP – This light means your vehicle’s electronic stability system is being utilized.

Engine Warning Lights:

• Coolant Temp Warning – Indicates that your coolant levels are off, your fan isn’t properly working, or you have a coolant leak.
• Service Vehicle – This often means there’s an electrical issue. In some older vehicles, it can mean you’re due for an oil change.
• Reduced Power Warning – A part of your engine is malfunctioning and you need to schedule service as soon as possible.
• Cruise Control – This isn’t a warning light; it just lets you know that cruise control is activated.

Safety & Informative Warning Lights:

• Security Alert – This lets you know that your ignition switch is locked or that a door has been left ajar.
• Fog Lamp – This reminds you when you have your brights on.
• Airbag Fault – You’ll see this light after you start your car, and it indicates there’s a problem in the car’s airbag system. You’ll need to schedule service.
• Washer Fluid Reminder – This simply means your washer fluid is low and needs to be replaced.

Tires Warning Lights:

Tire Pressure Warning Light (TPMS)– This system detects tire pressure anomalies. When it’s on that means one or more of your tires has a tire pressure rating that’s too low or too high. Adjusted your tires to the PSI recommended in your owner’s manual as soon as possible.

Learn More About Your Car with Suburban Chevrolet

No matter where you drive in the Hopkins area, the team at Suburban Chevrolet is here to help you understand the ins and outs of your car. Check out our service tips and tricks for more helpful information about your car and how to maintain it.