7 Dashboard Warning Lights You Shouldn’t Ignore

Dashboard warning lights play an important role in your travels around Quincy, Boston, Norwood, and Brockton, MA. These color-coded lights inform how your vehicle is operating. For example, these lights can tell you when the high beams are enabled. They can also indicate when your vehicle isn't operating at 100%.

There are many possible explanations for these dashboard lights. To help you stay alert and informed, the team at 24 Auto Group has created this guide to the seven dashboard warning lights you shouldn't ignore. Let's get started!


7 Dashboard Warning Lights You Shouldn't Ignore

There are dozens of warning lights built into your vehicle. Each light has its own purpose and meaning. Some lights let you know a future service appointment is on the horizon. Typically, these lights will appear yellow or orange.

There are also a handful of dashboard warning lights you shouldn't ignore. These lights, most often red, indicate that you need to stop driving and that immediate service is needed. These seven dashboard warning lights include:

  1. Check engine light
  2. Temperature light
  3. Battery light
  4. Airbag light
  5. Brake light
  6. Oil light
  7. Anti-lock brake system light

Let's explore each of these lights in more detail, so you know what to expect if you ever see these lights.


#1: Check Engine Light

The check engine light is something you shouldn't ignore because there are several possible reasons why this light could appear. Most common reasons include issues with the vehicle's emission system, engine components, or fuel compartment.

Warning Light Appearance: Profile of an engine with the words "CHECK ENGINE" written in the middle.

Next Steps if Seen: Drive to our service center right away for diagnostic testing.

#2: Temperature Light

An overheated engine will put your travel plans on hold. This can occur when there's an issue with the vehicle's cooling system. If left unresolved, this can lead to irreversible damage to the engine.

Warning Light Appearance: A thermometer in liquid with three lines. It may also appear as "TEMP."

Next Steps if Seen: Immediately pull over and turn the temperature as hot as possible. Contact our dealership to schedule a repair appointment.

 
 

#3: Battery Light

Your vehicle's battery is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the engine. If this dashboard warning light is illuminated while you drive, this is an indication that the battery isn't operating at 100%. This could be due to a corroded cable or structural damage.

Warning Light Appearance: Front view of a battery with positive and negative terminals.

Next Steps if Seen: Contact our dealership to schedule a battery repair appointment at your earliest convenience.

#4: Airbag Light

The airbag light is a dashboard warning light you shouldn't ignore. When illuminated, this light indicates an issue with the airbags. This could mean they may not deploy in a collision. It could also indicate an issue with the vehicle's seat belts. Since both possible reasons why this light illuminates are related to safety, be sure to resolve this issue quickly.

Warning Light Appearance: Profile view of a passenger wearing a seatbelt with a large red circle at face height.

Next Steps if Seen: Schedule an airbag diagnostic appointment at our dealership ASAP.

 

#5: Brake Light

Brakes play a vital role in your everyday commutes. Components, like brake pads and rotors, rub together to create the friction needed to bring your car to a stop on demand. If a brake repair is needed, this light will appear on your vehicle's dashboard.

Warning Light Appearance: An exclamation mark inside a circle that's wrapped in parentheses. It may also appear simply as "BRAKE."

Next Steps if Seen: Schedule an appointment at our service center for a brake repair at your earliest convenience.

#6: Oil Light

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It's responsible for keeping the engine healthy since it removes toxic particles and lubricates parts to prevent friction. When the oil pressure light appears, you shouldn't ignore it. This light typically indicates low oil pressure.

Warning Light Appearance: Profile view of an oil can with a drop of oil.

Next Steps if Seen: Schedule an oil change at our service center.

 
 

#7: Anti-Lock Brake System Light

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) provides additional support when you brake in emergency situations. This system is responsible for preventing skidding or fishtailing due to locked brakes. When this light appears when you're driving, it likely means there's an issue with the vehicle's electrical system.

Warning Light Appearance: The letters "ABS" inside a circle that's wrapped in parentheses. It may also just appear as "ABS."

Next Steps if Seen: Immediately head to our service center for diagnostics and repairs.


Learn More About Dashboard Lights You Shouldn't Ignore Today

Now that you know more about seven dashboard warning lights you shouldn't ignore, you can feel more confident as you travel around Quincy, Boston, Norwood, and Brockton, Massachusetts.

If you have more questions about these dashboard warning lights or need to schedule an appointment, contact us at 24 Auto Group today!

  1. 24 Auto Group

    1016 Belmont St
    Brockton, MA 02301

    • Sales: (508) 588-9520
  2. 24 INFINITI OF PLYMOUTH

    151 SAMOSET ST
    Plymouth, MA 02360-4822

  3. STATION GMC

    2 Chauncy St Rte 106
    Mansfield, MA 02048

    • Sales: (833) 442-8690
  4. Stateline Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

    1491 Brayton Point Rd
    Somerset, MA 02725-2337

    • Sales: 866-574-3639
  5. Station Chrysler Jeep of Mansfield

    91 Chauncy St, Route 106
    Mansfield, MA 02048-1913

    • Sales: 888-367-2708
  6. Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram 24

    1020 Belmont St
    Brockton, MA 02301-5515

    • Sales: 888-201-0417
  7. Dartmouth Nissan

    483 State Rd
    North Dartmouth, MA 02747

    • Sales: 508-882-2612
  8. Stateline Nissan

    845 Taunton Ave
    East Providence, RI 02914

    • Sales: 401-271-5035
  9. Nissan 24

    1016 Belmont St
    Brockton, MA 02301

    • Sales: 508-882-6936
  10. Stateline Subaru

    1451 Brayton Point Rd
    Somerset, MA 02725

    • Sales: 508-905-5619
  11. Route 9 Nissan

    273 Turnpike Rd
    Westborough, MA 01581

    • Sales: (508) 960-6605
  12. 24 Ford of Easton

    703 Washington St
    Easton, MA 02375

    • Sales: (781) 412-1009
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    5925 CAMP BOWIE BLVD
    FORT WORTH, TX 76107

    • Sales: 1111111111
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    5925 Camp Bowie Blvd
    Fort Worth, TX 76107

    • Sales: (916) 801-4112
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