What Do Your Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?
Imagine you were on your way to St. Matthews’s Halloween in Brown Park when your dashboard suddenly lit up with symbols. What are they? And what do they mean? But, even more importantly, what should you do when they light up? To answer these questions, the experts at Meineke in St. Matthews explain what your dashboard warning light symbols are, what they mean, and what you should do when they light up.
Why Your Dashboard Warning Lights are Important
Your vehicle’s dashboard is like its communication center. And the warning lights that pop up aren’t just there to look pretty—they’re vital indicators of the car’s health and safety. So, understanding what each symbol means can help you address potential problems before they become major issues. Therefore, let’s take a look at the most common dashboard warning lights and what to do when they light up.
1. Check Engine Light
- What it looks like: A symbol of an engine, sometimes with the word “check.”
- What it means: This light can signal a wide range of issues, from a loose gas cap to a more serious engine problem. So, it’s best to get it checked as soon as possible to avoid potential damage.
- What to do: Call Meineke in St. Matthews to schedule a diagnostic check. Because ignoring this light may lead to more costly repairs.
2. Oil Pressure Warning Light
- What it looks like: An oil can dripping oil.
- What it means: This symbol indicates low oil pressure, which means your engine isn’t getting enough lubrication. And this can lead to serious engine damage.
- What to do: Stop driving immediately and check your oil level. And if it’s low, add oil and see if the light goes off. But, if the light stays on, call Meineke in St. Matthews for assistance.
3. Battery Charge Warning Light
- What it looks like: A battery symbol.
- What it means: This symbol means your vehicle’s battery isn’t charging properly. And this could indicate a problem with the alternator or electrical system.
- What to do: Try to turn off any unnecessary electronics (like the AC or radio) and head to Meineke on Shelbyville Road before the battery dies.
4. Brake Warning Light
- What it looks like: An exclamation point inside a circle, or the word “BRAKE.”
- What it means: This could indicate a problem with your brake system, such as low brake fluid. Or it could indicate that your parking brake is still engaged.
- What to do: If the parking brake isn’t on, check the brake fluid level. And if it’s low or the light remains, have your brakes inspected immediately at Meineke in St. Matthews.
5. Tire Pressure Warning Light
- What it looks like: A horseshoe-shaped symbol with an exclamation point inside.
- What it means: The symbol indicates one or more of your tires is underinflated.
- What to do: Check the air pressure in your tires and inflate them to the recommended level. Because, driving on underinflated tires can cause uneven wear and increase your risk of a blowout.
6. Coolant Temperature Warning Light
- What it looks like: A thermometer submerged in liquid.
- What it means: This symbol indicates your engine is overheating.
- What to do: Pull over and let your engine cool down, then check your coolant level. And if the problem persists, you might have a leak or a faulty thermostat.
7. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Warning Light
- What it looks like: The letters “ABS” inside a circle.
- What it means: This symbol indicates there is an issue with the anti-lock braking system.
- What to do: Your regular brakes will still work, but the ABS won’t. So have the system inspected to ensure safe braking in slippery conditions.
8. Airbag Warning Light
- What it looks like: A seated person with an airbag deployed.
- What it means: This symbol indicates there’s a problem with your airbag system, which may not deploy properly in a crash.
- What to do: Get this checked immediately to ensure your airbags will function if needed.
Meineke in St. Matthews Can Help When One of Your Warning Lights are Lit
Dashboard warning lights are your vehicle’s way of telling you when something needs attention. And ignoring these indicators can lead to bigger issues down the road. So if you’re ever unsure, it’s best to contact the ASE certified mechanics at Meineke in St. Matthews. Because, they can perform a diagnostic check to avoid any safety or costly repair issues.
If the Meineke in St. Matthews is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 15 car repair centers is Kentucky:
Meineke Car Care – Dixie Hwy.
5326 DIXIE HWY
Louisville, KY 40216
Call (844) 311-4548
Meineke Car Care – Preston Hwy.
7103 Preston Highway
Louisville, KY 40219
Call (844) 605-8457
Meineke Car Care – Bardstown Rd.
4170 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40218
Call (844) 321-3541
Meineke Car Care – East. Broadway
701 East Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
Call (855) 973-7820
Meineke Car Care – Outer Loop
6420 Outer Loop
Louisville, KY 40228
Call (844) 417-2336
Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd.
11514 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY 40243
Call (844) 352-0216
Meineke Car Care – Dupont Rd.
1019 Dupont Road
Louisville, KY 40207
Call (502) 791-9526
Meineke Car Care – Plantside Dr.
10723 Plantside Drive
Louisville, KY 40299
Call (502) 536-9765
Meineke Car Care – So. Dixie Blvd.
2197 South Dixie Blvd.
Radcliff, KY 40160
Call (866) 548-1474
Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd.
3949 Shelbyville Rd
St. Matthews, KY 40207
Call (888) 633-4889
Meineke Car Care – N. Dixie Hwy.
1400 N. Dixie Hwy.
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Call (877) 439-7844
Meineke Car Care – Midland Trail
2000 Midland Trail
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Call (844) 681-4659
Meineke Car Care – W. Hwy. 146
3717 KY-146
Buckner, KY 40010
Call (844) 353-6212
Meineke Car Care – Peachtree Rd.
100 Peachtree Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Call (859) 687-8290
Meineke Car Care – Arrowhead Ct.
101 Arrowhead Court
Frankfort, KY 40601
Call (833) 723-5010
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