Auto Basics 101: What Your Dashboard Lights Really Mean (And When to Take Action)

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Welcome back to Auto Basics 101, where we break down the need-to-know info every car owner should have—without the complicated lingo.

This time, we're diving into a question we hear all the time at TechNation:

“What do all these dashboard lights mean?”

Your dashboard lights is the way your car sends you alerts. Some lights are just friendly reminders, while others are serious warnings you should never ignore. Let’s break it down:

🔴 RED = Stop Driving ASAP (Safety or Major System Failure)

If you see a red light, pull over when safe and call for help or professional advice. These are often urgent.

⛽ Oil Pressure

Looks like an oil can. This means low or no oil pressure. Driving could severely damage your engine.

✅ What to do: Stop the engine and check your oil immediately.

🌡️ Engine Temperature

A thermometer symbol. Your engine is overheating—possibly from low coolant or a failed component.

✅ What to do: Turn off the A/C, turn on the heat, and get help ASAP.

🅿️ Brake System

A circle with an exclamation mark or the word "BRAKE." May indicate low brake fluid or a brake failure.

✅ What to do: Check if your parking brake is on—if not, get it inspected immediately.

🔋 Battery Warning

A battery icon. Signals a charging problem—possibly alternator or battery related.

✅ What to do: Get to a mechanic quickly before your car won’t restart.

🟠 ORANGE/YELLOW = Pay Attention (Caution or Maintenance Needed)

These lights don’t mean immediate danger, but you shouldn’t ignore them for long.

💡 Check Engine Light (CEL)

The most common—and most misunderstood. Could mean anything from a loose gas cap to a misfiring engine.✅ What to do: Tighten your gas cap first. If the light stays on, schedule a diagnostic.

🚗 Traction Control / ABS

Usually a car with squiggly lines or "ABS" text. Indicates a problem with anti-lock brakes or traction system.✅ What to do: Drive carefully and have it checked soon.

🔧 Service Reminder

A wrench icon. This light usually pops on for scheduled maintenance like oil changes or tire rotation.

✅ What to do: Book a service appointment.

🔵 BLUE/GREEN = Info or Active Features

These lights are simply notifications—they’re not warnings.

🔵 High Beams

Blue headlight symbol. It just means your high beams are on.

🟢 Cruise Control / Turn Signals / Eco Mode

These green lights show that a feature is active.

🚗 TechNation Tips:

• Flashing lights are more serious than solid ones—especially with the Check Engine Light.

• Don’t ignore red lights. Even if the car seems fine, you may be doing long-term damage.

• When in doubt—call us. We’ll help you understand what’s going on and what to do next.

🧰 We’ll Read the Lights for You

As always SAFETY FIRST! If you’re unsure, TechNation offers quick diagnostics and mobile check-ups. We’ll tell you what that light means, what caused it, and how to fix it.

📞 Book your diagnostic today—or call us and we’ll meet you where your car is.

📰 Stay tuned for the next edition of Auto Basics 101, where we’ll walk through how to check your tires like a pro.

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