What’s That Dashboard Warning Light Mean? Our Guide to Understanding Your Vehicle’s Alerts

Understanding the various dashboard warning lights that can pop up in your vehicle is essential to maintaining its health and performance. Whether you are driving new or ‘used cars Sanford NC’, recognizing these alerts will help you avoid costly repairs. Let’s take a look at some of the most common dashboard lights and what they mean.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light is one of the most well-known alerts but also one of the most misunderstood. If this engine-shaped light appears, it could indicate anything from a loose gas cap to a more serious engine issue. 

What to do: Pull over when safe, and check the gas cap to ensure it is tightly closed. If the light remains on or is flashing, schedule a ‘Nissan service’ appointment with us to avoid further damage.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light typically looks like an old-fashioned oil can. It indicates a drop in oil pressure, which could lead to engine damage if not addressed quickly.

What to do: Pull over and check your oil level. If it is low, add more oil, but if the light stays on, avoid driving and come to our service center.

Battery Warning Light

This symbol, which looks like a car battery, signals a problem with your car’s charging system. It could mean your battery is failing or there is an issue with your alternator.

What to do: If the light comes on while driving, your vehicle may eventually lose power. Get your vehicle checked as soon as possible to avoid being stranded.

Brake Warning Light

If you see this light, shaped like a circle with an exclamation mark inside, it could mean that your brake fluid is low or there is an issue with your braking system. In some vehicles, this warning may also appear if the parking brake is engaged.

What to do: First, check if the parking brake is still engaged. If not, check your brake fluid levels. If the light remains on, avoid driving and have your brakes inspected.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Light

This light typically looks like an exclamation mark inside a flat tire and indicates that one or more of your tires may have low pressure.

What to do: Check your tire pressure with a gauge, and inflate the tires to the recommended level. If the light stays on, visit us for a full tire inspection.

Coolant Temperature Warning Light

This symbol, shaped like a thermometer, appears when your engine is overheating. Ignoring this light can lead to significant engine damage in new or ‘used cars Sanford NC’.

What to do: Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe, and turn off the engine. Check the coolant level (once the engine has cooled) and refill if necessary. If the issue persists, contact our service department. 

ABS Warning Light

This light, which reads “ABS,” indicates a problem with the Anti-lock Braking System. While it does not mean your brakes have completely failed, it does mean the ABS system is not functioning properly.

What to do: Have our technicians inspect your vehicle as soon as possible to ensure your ABS is working correctly.

Airbag Warning Light

When this light, shaped like a person with a circle in front of them, comes on, it indicates an issue with your vehicle’s airbag system. It is vital to address this, as airbags may not deploy in the event of an accident.

What to do: Contact our ‘Nissan service’ center immediately to resolve the issue and ensure your airbag system is working as intended.

Understanding these dashboard warning lights can make all the difference when driving. Whether you are exploring ‘used cars Sanford NC’ or need help with your current vehicle, trust our experienced team at Classic Nissan of Sanford to keep you on the road safely. If any of these warning lights appear, do not hesitate to book your ‘Nissan service’ appointment today!