Automotive Omens: What Your Car Warning Lights Mean
Learn how you should react to protect your ride.
Nothing strikes fear quite like looking down at the dashboard and seeing a warning light illuminated. Should I keep driving? Is my engine about to fall out? What is that shape even supposed to be?
The truth is, these lights can be anything from a friendly reminder to a dire warning. Here’s how you should react to a few of the most common car warning lights:
Did you know the colors of warning lights mean something, too? It’s just as you’d expect:
- Green: No action needed—a feature is simply on or in use.
- Yellow: Action required, but not urgent.
- Red: Immediate action required.
Keep in mind that warning lights may differ by car manufacturer, and may even indicate a bigger underlying issue. A trusted car mechanic can help you get to the bottom of the problem and back on the road in no time.