What Does That Warning Light Mean?

Whenever you see a warning light on your dashboard you probably wonder if you need to see a mechanic. Sometimes, scheduling an appointment with the Red McCombs Hyundai Northwest service center is the best course of action. Other times you may be able to handle the issue yourself. Keep reading for a quick tutorial of common warning lights and what they mean.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

The oil light is the light that most people readily recognize. It’s usually an orange or red image depicting an oil can. In newer models, the word “OIL” might be displayed instead. If your vehicle’s oil light comes on, it either means that your vehicle has low oil levels, or the oil pump isn’t circulating enough oil. You can use your vehicle’s dipstick to check the oil levels. If you need to, top off the oil then schedule an appointment.

Tire Pressure Warning Light

Your vehicle’s tire pressure warning light usually looks like a flat tire, but it doesn’t always mean you have one. If the light appears solid, it’s an indication that one of more of your tires has high or low pressure. If the warning light flashes for a few seconds when you turn the vehicle on and then remains solid, it means your tire pressure monitoring system is malfunctioning. In both scenarios, your best course of action is to check the pressure of your tires and make the proper adjustments. If the pressure is correct, make an appointment with your technician to assess the issue.

Engine Temperature Warning Light

The engine temperature warning light is an old-fashioned thermometer and when it appears you should address the issue immediately. The engine temperature warning light indicates that your engine is overheated. That could be because your coolant is low. Before you check your coolant levels, turn your engine off, then wait 10 to 15 minutes to allow it to cool down. While you wait, contact roadside assistance. Your vehicle will likely need to be towed to your service center.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light is hard to diagnose on your own because it could be an indication of several things. You should have a professional inspect your engine.

Battery Warning Light

The battery warning light is a rectangle with a plus and a minus sign in the center. It’s an indication that your vehicle’s charging system is malfunctioning. It doesn’t always mean your battery is the problem but that’s a good place to start. Check that your battery doesn’t have a loose cable or corrosion on the nodes. If you see corrosion on your battery, it can be removed with a wire brush and battery cleaner. If neither of those are the issue, have a mechanic check your starter and alternator.

Red McCombs Hyundai Northwest Service Center

It’s important that you don’t ignore warning lights. When a warning light comes click on in your vehicle, schedule a service appointment with Red McCombs Hyundai Northwest.