“Dashboard warning lights should never be ignored. They are almost always a pre-warning that something is about to stop working and that you could suddenly be stranded in a very dangerous place.” – Tony Greenidge, chief executive, IAM RoadSmart.
Slightly over 20 percent of drivers ignore dashboard warning lights, according to a 2021 study by British retailer Halfords. Shockingly, less than 50 percent of drivers even know what they mean (the information can be found in the owner’s manual).
“They’re all so different and cryptic, it makes it easy for most people to ignore them,” noted Raul Arbelaez, vice president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Vehicle Research Center, in a March 2021 interview with Car and Driver. Not unsurprisingly, nearly a fifth of the drivers in the Halford’s survey reported suffering a breakdown after ignoring an illuminated dashboard light. Lesson? You shouldn’t dismiss them, even if your vehicle continues to operate normally. Let us take a quick look at some common dashboard warning lights.
Check Engine Light
This is arguably the scariest of all dashboard warning lights. If it illuminates, it means there’s a problem somewhere in your engine or emission system. The issue could be minor, such as a loose gas cap, or major, such as a faulty catalytic converter.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light lets you know that your engine is running too hot. Possible culprits include low coolant levels, a faulty coolant hose, a defective water pump, or damage to the radiator.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light illuminates when your oil pressure is too low or too high. It may be a sign that you need to top off, or see a mechanic if the problem is an engine leak, worn piston rings, or a broken oil pump.
Battery Warning Light
This light warns you when there’s a problem with the battery itself, the alternator, wiring, or other parts of your car’s electrical system. If the light goes on while you are driving, turn off as many electrical accessories as you can and avoid using electrical controls, such as power windows, to keep battery drain to a minimum, and then find a mechanic post haste.
Brake System Warning Light
A brake warning light isn’t always an indicator of trouble – you may simply have started pulling away with your parking brake engaged. However, it could be a sign that a more troubling problem lurks in your braking system, such as worn brake pads, low brake fluid levels, or a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Closing Thoughts
Dashboard warning lights are a bit like a lighthouse – they notify you of danger ahead. Heeding their warnings could help you avoid hefty repair bills and considerable heartache. Ignore them at your peril.