Dashboard warning lights are your car’s way of communicating with you. They help you identify problems with your car before they become serious or even dangerous. That’s why understanding what your car warning lights mean is crucial for any driver.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the most common dash warning lights, what they mean and why they matter. We encourage you to bookmark this guide or print a PDF to keep in your glove box, so you can reference it whenever you need to. Let’s dive in and keep our cars running smoothly and safely!
Engine Temperature Light
Your vehicle’s engine is overheating. Can be due to low coolant levels, a damaged cooling fan, or other engine problems.
Replace coolant and flush your car’s radiator every 30,000 miles to avoid overheating.
1. Pull over to a safe area and turn off your vehicle.
2. Allow your engine to cool at least 20 minutes, then check your vehicle’s coolant level.
3. Contact Big Chief Tire to assess your engine or replenish your coolant.
OIL PRESSURE LIGHT
Your vehicle has low oil pressure. Can be caused by low oil levels, dirty oil, or an oil leak.
Replace oil every 6 months or 10,000 – 15,000 miles.
1. Pull over to a safe area and turn off your vehicle.
2. Check your oil levels and look for obvious signs of an oil leak.
3. Contact Big Chief Tire to assess and change your oil.
TIRE PRESSURE (TPMS)
Your vehicle’s engine is overheating. Can be due to low coolant levels, a damaged cooling fan, or other engine problems.
Replace coolant and flush your car’s radiator every 30,000 miles to avoid overheating.
1. Pull over to a safe area and turn off your vehicle.
2. Allow your engine to cool at least 20 minutes, then check your vehicle’s coolant level.
3. Contact Big Chief Tire to assess your engine or replenish your coolant.
BRAKEs
There is an issue with your vehicle’s braking system. The parking brake is engaged or your brake pads are worn.
Replace brake pads every 10,000 – 20,000 miles to maintain your breaking system.
1. Check if your parking brake is engaged.
2. If the light still appears, contact Big Chief Tire to troubleshoot your braking system or replace your braking pads.
bATTERY ALERT
Your vehicle’s charging system may have a damaged or loose battery cable or an electrical fault.
Reputable batteries last 3 to 4 years and often have warranties. Battery connection points can wear out between 50,000 – 100,000 miles.
1. Jump start your car if dead.
2. A full diagnostic is recommended as other electrical components may also need replacement.
3. Bring the vehicle straight to Big Chief Tire for new battery cables, battery replacement or a new alternator.
TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE
Your vehicle’s transmission is overheating or your transmission fluid is too hot. Can be due to low transmission fluid levels, worn transmission parts, or coolant leaks.
Replace transmission fluid every 30,000 – 60,000 miles to increase your transmission’s lifespan.
1. Pull over to a safe area and turn off your vehicle.
2. Allow your car and its transmission to cool off.
3. Visit Big Chief Tire to flush your transmission fluid, assess your transmission parts, and check for coolant leaks.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE
Your vehicle’s engine may be overheating due to low coolant levels or a damaged radiator.
Replace coolant and flush your radiator every 30,000 miles to avoid overheating.
1. Pull over to a safe location and turn your vehicle off to avoid engine overheating.
2. Visit Big Chief Tire immediately to diagnose the cause and assess your radiator and coolant levels.
TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT
Your vehicle’s traction control guide has been activated. If the light stays on full-time, it could indicate faulty sensors.
Activates each time your vehicle engages extra traction to avoid sliding on a slippery road.
1. If the light appears for 2-3 seconds during inclement conditions, your vehicle is operating safely. No further action is necessary.
2. If the light stays on, make an appointment with Big Chief Tire to have your wheel sensors checked.
POWER STEERING WARNING
A problem has occurred with your vehicle’s power steering system. Could be due to a hose leak/low levels of power steering fluid.
Flush power steering fluid every 40,000 – 80,000 miles to maintain your power steering system and prevent leaks.
1. Pull over to a safe area. Check your vehicle’s power steering fluid levels within your engine.
2. Refill the liquid if necessary.
3. Make an appointment with Big Chief Tire to check for system leaks.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK
Your steering wheel has been locked and cannot be turned. Usually engaged to protect your car from theft.
Service your vehicle at least once a year or every 12,000 miles to keep sensors and systems operating effectively.
1. Unlock your steering wheel by turning the wheel back and forth while turning your key in the ignition.
2. If the warning light still appears, schedule an appointment with Big Chief Tire to diagnose issues with your steering or suspension system.
ENGINE
Many possible issues — from a loose gas cap to a faulty catalytic converter or an overheating engine.
Service your vehicle once a year or every 12,000 mi to keep systems operating effectively. Schedule an oil change every 6 months to prevent engine strain.
1. Ensure the gas cap is tightened.
2. If the warning light is red and/or flashing, this indicates a serious problem.
3. Pull over and contact Big Chief Tire to have your engine assessed as soon as possible.