Auto Repair Shop in Bridgeview, IL - Warning Lights

What Do the Warning Lights on Your Car’s Dashboard Mean?

When something is wrong with a vehicle, usually a little warning light pops up to signal that something is not working properly. This allows us to understand precisely where the issue is occurring in the vehicle, which can be difficult to determine without some direction, as cars and trucks have incredibly complex operating systems. You might be able to distinguish between a brake issue and an exhaust problem, but usually a car in need of some repair will experience symptoms that can indicate any number of different things.

Below is a list of common warning lights you may see switch on in your car’s lifetime, and what they mean:

• • Check Engine Light - Your check engine light usually resembles the shape of a vehicle engine, or it simply says “Check Engine.” When this light goes on, it is kind of a catch-all for what may be wrong with the car, but it is going to be something that affects your engine directly.
• • Oil Light - The oil light on your dashboard usually resembles an oil can, and it typically means your oil pressure is low, you have a leak, or it is long past time to change your oil or the oil filter.
• • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light - This light indicates an issue with your tire pressure, either that it is too low or too high.
• • Engine Temperature Light - This light typically looks like a thermometer, and when it turns on it means your engine is overheating. In these situations you will want to pull over and allow the car to cool down, then check your antifreeze.
• • Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) light - Your ABS light will turn on when something is wrong with your anti-lock braking system.
• • Brake Light - Your brake light will go on if there is something wrong with your braking system, such as the brake pads or brake calipers.
• • Traction Control Malfunction Light - Your traction control malfunction light means there may be an issue with your vehicle’s traction control system. It can also double as an ABS warning light, so be sure to get your brakes checked, as well as your traction control system.
• • Battery Light - When this light, which looks like a battery with a “+” and “-” symbol on it, turns on, it indicates that your car’s battery needs to be replaced, or it is not being charged and there is likely a problem with the alternator.
• • Airbag Warning Light - This light turns on when something is wrong with your airbag system, and it needs to be addressed immediately by a mechanic.
• • Windshield Washer Fluid Light - This light looks like your windshield with the wiper blades moving across it, and it indicates that you are running low on windshield washer fluid.

Auto Repair Shop in Bridgeview and the Surrounding Areas

If your vehicle has warning lights glowing on the dashboard, it is time to visit the trusted mechanics at VIP Tire so they can diagnose the problem. We provide superior vehicle maintenance and repair services, so whether you need brakes near Bridgeview, new tires near Tinley Park, or an alignment near Bridgeview, or any other mechanical services , the team at VIP Tire is here for you.