WHY YOU SHOULDN'T IGNORE YOUR WARNING LIGHTS

What's better than getting all the necessary auto repairs your car needs and being assured that you're also getting all the prevention methods? The main goal of any auto repair shop is to provide excellent vehicle service. At Chloe's Auto Repair, we want to help ensure that you can get behind the wheel when you need to and know that you are safe in your vehicle.

Understanding Dashboard Warning Lights

If you've ever ignored a warning light on your dashboard, then you already know how expensive it can be to ignore them. You may have even had a dash light go off and not realized how much it would cost to fix.

Dashboard warning lights are indicators that tell you when something is wrong with your car. They're usually located near the speedometer and gas gauge, but sometimes they're placed near other critical gauges such as oil pressure and temperature gauges. Some warning lights appear as symbols, while others come in the form of words such as "transmission" or "coolant."

Check Engine Light

This is one of the essential lights to pay attention to because it could indicate a severe problem with your engine. Pull over as soon as possible if this light comes on and shut off your engine. The sooner you get this checked out, the better!

Tire Pressure Light

If this light comes on, there is low tire pressure in one or more tires. This could cause damage to your tires and potentially lead to an accident if they blow out while driving at high speed.

Braking Light

This light indicates that you need new brake pads or rotors. The longer you wait to replace these, the more expensive they become!

Airbag Light

It shows if the airbag is turned on or off. There could potentially be a reason you would want to turn it off. Otherwise, it is handy to have a warning light let you know it is off.

Battery Light

Indicates that the alternator isn't charging the battery correctly or that there's a loose connection somewhere in the electrical system.

Oil Pressure Light

Signals low oil pressure in one of your engine's cylinders (or a leak in your engine). This can cause severe damage to your engine if not corrected quickly.

Thermometer Light

Indicates overheating of internal components like pistons and valves in your engine due to lack of lubrication from oil or coolant loss from leaks in hoses, gaskets, and seals. If this light comes on suddenly while driving, pull over immediately and shut off the engine as soon as possible, so no further damage occurs.

Transmission Temperature Light

This light tells you when your transmission fluid is overheating and needs attention. If this light comes on while driving, pull over immediately and turn off your engine as soon as safely possible. Anything involving a temperature light is cause for concern.

Power Steering Light

This light indicates a problem with your power steering system — specifically, there is too much pressure being put on the system, causing it to fail or leak excessively. This can lead to hazardous situations if left unaddressed! Take care of this one ASAP!

Washer Fluid Levels

If you see this light come on, it means your washer fluid is almost out. If you run out of washer fluid while driving in the rain, you won't be able to clean your windshield correctly. This could be a severe concern if visibility becomes an issue.

Traction Control

You may see this light come on when driving in slippery conditions like snow or ice, and traction control has been turned off to drive more safely. If you see this light come on while driving in dry weather, it could mean there's something wrong with your vehicle's traction control system, and it should be checked out by a mechanic immediately.

Engine Start Light

If this light comes on when starting your car, it could mean there's an electrical problem, or the starter could be going bad — either way, it needs to be checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.



The dashboard warning lights are just that - warning lights. Take every warning light seriously. At Chloe's Auto Repair, we can help you resolve warning lights and perform any repairs necessary to get you back on the road.