How to Interpret the Dashboard Light Indicators

The dashboard lights on your car dashboard are a great way to know what is going on with the engine. They show you when things need service, overheating, and other important information about your vehicle. In this post we will go over everything you need to know about dashboard light indicators and how they can help make your vehicle’s performance better.

What is the Dashboard Light Indicator?

The dashboard light indicator can be an essential part of your vehicle’s dashboard. These lights are designed to give you information about the engine so that any problems can be fixed quickly and easily before it is too late.

There is a dashboard light for almost every area of the dashboard in order to give you important information about your vehicle’s engine. These dashboard indicators can tell you when there is something wrong with your battery, oil levels, brake pads, etc., so that you know exactly when they need to be fixed or replaced.

The Different Lights and What They Mean

The dashboard lights can come as either a warning light or as a signal light.

A warning light is any dashboard indicator that turns on to indicate that there is a problem with your vehicle. A signal light will only turn on if it needs to alert you of a certain situation, such as when your windshield wipers are on, or when your parking brake is on. Here is a list of common lights you might see and what they mean:

• Check Engine Light: One of the most common dashboard warning lights is the check engine light, however, it is also one of the least specific. This is because the check engine light warns of any engine-related issue. The check engine light can be red or amber, and it typically features the outline of an engine, the words “service engine soon”, or simply “check engine” in bold letters. 
• Engine Coolant Temperature Light: The engine temperature light features a red thermometer, and when it appears it indicates that the engine is overheating.
• Transmission Temperature Light: the transmission light is often depicted as a yellow or red thermometer surrounded by a gear. When it appears on the dash, this light indicates that the transmission is overheating.
• Engine Oil Pressure Light: The engine oil pressure light is typically depicted as a red oil can, and it signifies that oil is not circulating properly through the engine. 
• Oil Change Light: The oil change light indicates when the engine oil should be changed, based on mileage driven. You may see this indicator displayed as text instead of as a light, such as “Service Engine Soon” or “Oil Change Required”. 
• Battery Warning Light: The battery indicator light is red in color and it features the outline of a battery with plus and minus symbols. When illuminated, this light indicates that the vehicle’s charging system isn’t functioning properly. 
• Tire Pressure Warning Light: The tire pressure warning light is depicted as a yellow tire with an exclamation point in the middle. This warning light signifies that one of the vehicle’s tires is underinflated, and – in some modern vehicles – it can indicate which exact tire has low pressure. 

What to Do if a Dashboard Light Appears

If the check-engine light illuminates while you’re driving and everything seems fine with the car, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it, either. Car and Driver explains that you should get the vehicle to a mechanic to run a diagnostic test and source the problem.

Diagnostic Tests with Scott’s Auto Repair

If you’re ever in doubt about what dashboard light means, get your car checked by a mechanic. Scott’s Auto Repair can diagnose any dashboard light warning so that you know exactly what needs to be done to fix or replace the part causing the issue. Get your dashboard indicator lights diagnosed today. With multiple locations, our team of professionals are here for you. Stop by today!