What Does the Light On My Dashboard Mean?

There are so many things to pay attention to when driving. And with modern technology, your dashboard and driver screen can be packed with information. The thing you usually pay attention to on the dashboard is your speedometer. After that, your fuel gauge and the dashboard warning lights are on your vehicle. 

If you’re like many Wichita drivers, at some point, you’ve probably asked yourself, “What does the light on my dashboard mean?” Each light has a different meaning, and each has a purpose. You need to pay attention to these occasional reminders of car service so you can keep driving around Wichita in safety. 

Although important, there are plenty of other dashboard lights to be aware of beyond the typical check engine, battery charge, and oil pressure warning lights. Learn more about the meanings of these dashboard warning lights with our guide! 

Dashboard Warning Lights & Their Meanings

Take a look at some brief descriptions of what some of the less common — but equally important — dashboard warning lights mean when and if they appear as you’re driving. 

Engine Warning Lights

• Coolant Temperature Warning: This dashboard warning light typically looks like a thermometer. It will appear if your car is overheating, your coolant levels are off, your fan isn’t working properly, or the coolant leaks.
• Service Vehicle: Usually, this light comes on when an electrical issue occurs.
• Reduced Power Warning: If you see this, bring your vehicle in for service because there’s some part of it that’s malfunctioning.
• Cruise Control: When you use cruise control, this light will stay illuminated as long as the system is on.

Brake System Dashboard Warning Lights

• Brake System: This light means an issue with your brakes, such as the brake fluid being too low or an ABS problem. Bring your vehicle in for service as soon as possible if you see this dashboard warning light.
• Traction Control or ESP: This light means your vehicle’s electronic stability system is being utilized. This will happen as the car tries to shift engine power from one set of wheels to the other.

Safety & Informative Dashboard Warning Lights

• Security Alert: If your ignition switch is locked or a door is left ajar, this light will indicate either the tech malfunction or alert you of the open door.
• Fog Lamp: This reminds you when you have your brights on. The dashboard light may look like a downward-facing headlight with three small beams of light coming from it.
• Airbag Fault: Normally, this light appears once the car has been started to indicate a fault in the airbag system, and you’ll need to bring your vehicle in for repair. If the airbag light comes on and then goes off, that’s your vehicle’s way of testing the system when you hit the ignition.
• Washer Fluid Reminder: This simply means your washer fluid is low and needs to be replaced.

Tires Dashboard Warning Lights 

• Tire Pressure Warning Light: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has detected that one or more of your tires has a tire pressure rating that’s too low or too high. You should have your tires’ PSI adjusted to the recommended levels as soon as possible to avoid complications. You can do this on your own or have a tire technician look it over.

Learn More About Dashboard Warning Lights from Don Hattan Dealerships

When you see one of these lights on your dashboard, bring your vehicle to our Wichita service center. You can also schedule service at your convenience. Our highly trained technicians and knowledgeable staff will help you get back on Andover and Maize roads in no time. 

Contact us or call with questions about dashboard warning lights. We’re happy to help in any way we can!