May 3, 2023
Car Warning lights and what they may mean

What Your Dashboard Lights Mean

We’ve all been there: you notice a symbol light up on your dashboard and then the anxiety begins. What does it mean? How serious is it? What do I do next? Don’t worry! We got you covered. Let’s go over some the most common symbols and discover what they mean and find out when you’ll need to visit our service center.

Symbols and their meanings:

Anti-lock brake warning light
  • Anti-lock brake warning light:

If the anti-lock braking system or ABS lights up, there is a fault in the braking system. The purpose of anti-lock brakes is to maintain control and balance between the vehicle and the road. So, it is important that the problem is diagnosed as soon as possible when the ABS lights come on.

Battery alert
  • Battery alert:

This symbol means that there is a problem with the vehicle’s charging system. You will be surprised to learn that often the main cause of a battery warning light is not the battery, but something else that triggered it, whether it’s a faulty alternator or something else. Either way, it’s best to visit our dealership ASAP to ensure you don’t end up stranded somewhere.

Engine warning
  • Engine warning:

Your check engine light can appear for a number of reasons. First, it can be something serious that can cause you to pull over right away, such as overheating of the vehicle engine or low oil pressure. On the flip side, it can occur if the fuel cap is not securely attached or if it has a crack that allows fuel to evaporate. It should be something service techs can easily diagnose pretty quickly, so it’s smart to stop by a service center.

Low fuel indicator
  • Low fuel indicator:

If you have been driving for a long time, you should know this symbol. This is a sign that you are running out of gas. If you run out of fuel, don’t ignore it. Instead, stop at a nearby gas station and refuel so you can reach your destination without worrying about running out of fuel or gasoline.

Oil pressure light
  • Oil pressure light:

When the oil pressure lamp comes on, it shows the image of an oil can with dripping oil. When you see this, you should schedule an oil change ASAP, because it means your vehicle is running dangerously low on oil. Without fresh oil, your car is at major risk of severe engine damage, so the sooner you can get it into a service center, the better.

Traction control light
  • Traction control light:

This light indicates that your vehicle’s traction control system is activated. The traction indicator light uses the anti-lock braking system to determine if the wheels are spinning faster than normal, which can happen in rain or snowy weather. If your vehicle’s traction control system is damaged, defective, or there is a sensor malfunction, this light will come on. This light can also appear if there are problems with a vehicle’s ABS. It’s best to let service technicians diagnose the issue.

Conclusion

Now that you know which light is on your dashboard, you know what kind of service you need to schedule! At Wyatt Johnson Volkswagen, our expert service technicians are always here to help, whether it’s with our state-of-the-art service center or being ready to save you big with our service specials. Whether you’re in Clarksville or live near Nashville, you’ll find out why drivers choose to service with us. Visit us today! We’ll get you back on the road in no time.