Common Car Warning Lights and What They Mean

Check engine light

Like most people, you’ve probably seen a warning light come on in your car, and wonder “What does this mean?” — today we’re going to help answer that for three common warning lights.

“Check engine” light

The check engine light is connected to your car’s computer, and is one of the most common warning lights seen. It can be caused by a variety of issues, from simple to potentially dangerous.

  • A loose gas cap. A common reason for the check engine light is certainly a simple one. Try tightening it and see if the light goes away.
  • Sensors
  • Spark plugs
  • Other engine issues

“Dirty Air Filter” light

This light means that your engine air filter may be obstructed or dirty. A common fix is resetting the button as well as getting the filter replaced. To learn more about the air filters in your car, check out our articles on them here: The filters in your vehicle, and How to replace your air filter and cabin air filter.

“Break wear” light

A break wear light, more common in newer cars, means that the sensor has indicated your brake pads are thin. If you are unsure if this light is correct, try resetting the indicator. We recommend booking a mechanic when you see this light, as it’s important to have the break pads replaced.

Related articles

How To Read Your Tire Size

3 Signs Of A Failing Oxygen Sensor

5 Ways to Become a Better Nighttime Driver

Learning about your OBD II port

How To Fix A Broken Odometer

How To Conserve And Save Gas

Extend your car's life. Get car advice straight to your inbox.

Join 5000+ car owners and keep your car in its healthiest form.

More Related Articles

The 3 Signs Of Misaligned Wheels

The 3 Signs Of Misaligned Wheels

Your wheels are usually aligned directly parallel to each other; this allows your tires to equally share the load of your car. However, when your tires become misaligned, serious problems can occur. Recognizing the symptoms of misalignment and treating it promptly is an important part of owning a car!

Read more

Common Signs of Brake Problems

Common Signs of Brake Problems

It’s important to recognize the signs of potential issues with your car. Waiting for issues to get bad before repairing them can only cause further damage. Small repairs are easy to perform and are generally cheaper, but if not taken care of fast enough, they can turn into larger and more expensive repairs.

Read more

4 Reasons Why Your Car Might Be Vibrating

4 Reasons Why Your Car Might Be Vibrating

Car vibration, either through the body of the car or through the steering wheel, is a serious issue that requires immediate maintenance. We’re here to get you started on diagnosing the issue with the 4 most common reasons that your car may be vibrating.

Read more