Dashboard lights are terrifying because most of us don’t know what they mean. And even the ones we do know, like oil pressure light, we couldn’t begin to fix on our own.
Check engine? Is it doing alright?
A 2021 survey commissioned by Jiffy Lube reported nearly one-third of respondents ignored their check engine light for more than a month.
To be helpful (and to find out for ourselves) we looked at the most common dashboard warning lights
Your engine uses oil to keep everything running smoothly. It acts as a lubricant so all the fast-moving metal parts don’t destroy all the other fast-moving metal parts.
Likely, you need to add some oil to your engine or change your oil filter. Both are easy enough to do, and ChrisFix does a great job showing you how on their YouTube channel.
If your filter is clear and your oil is fresh, you may need a mechanic to replace your sensor or oil pump.
Air Pressure in TiresThis is one of the few lights that actually might go away if you wait it out, but that isn’t always advised.
Most people have seen their low air pressure light come on during cold mornings. The air in your tires constricts when it’s cold outside and expands when it’s hot.
If the light is consistent, find an air pump at a gas station or auto shop and fill your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (find that number on a sticker inside the driver’s door).
You may have a leak if you find yourself refilling your tires regularly. Take care of it soon. Most auto shops can patch a tire fairly easily.
Check Engine LightThe check engine light has to be the most ominous light. It’s persistent and mysterious.
The good news: it’s probably just a loose gas cap or faulty air flow sensor and can be fixed quickly and inexpensively.
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Your check engine light is probably not as severe or expensive as you think. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Washer FluidDo you see the weird shape with a whale spout coming out of the top? That means you’re out of windshield wiper fluid. It’s probably why your windshield is so dirty.
This is the easiest fix on the list. All you need is a bottle of wiper fluid from your local auto-parts store and a minute or two. Under your hood is a reservoir (that looks like a white plastic bottle). It has a similar whale spout image on the cap. Fill it with the bottle of wiper fluid and you’re done.
Good job. Now clean your windshield. You’ll be amazed at how much clearer you’ll see.
BatteryThe battery light means your electrical systems aren’t receiving enough juice. This could mean you need to clean the corrosion off your battery or replace it altogether. Luckily, the employees as just about any auto-parts store will put your new battery in for you, and multiple brands offer an array of options based on your budget and performance needs.
BrakeHere is where the dashboard lights start to get scarier. This light could be like a brake pedal or a red exclamation mark and it can mean a number of things, but each one should be dealt with promptly.
As simple as a brake light may seem, without them you greatly increase your risks of being hit from behind. You can easily fix this one yourself, and Erik the Car Guy has a simple guide.
