When an indicator light comes on in your vehicle, it can be easy to panic. Can I keep driving? How big is this problem? Will it be expensive to fix? And it’s not always easy to tell what the symbols mean! Don’t worry. We’ll walk through some of the most common indicator lights and what they mean.
Dashboard
For this blog, we’ll talk about the dashboard on the 2019 Honda Civic. A lot of the indicators are the same on other vehicles, too. So even if you drive something else, you can still learn something about what your vehicle is trying to tell you. Take a look at Honda’s website to see exactly what each indicator looks like.
General Rules
Even if you don’t remember what every light or indicator means, there are a few rules of thumb you should know.
Some indicators will come on each time you start the engine, then turn off. Those are less of a concern. You want to pay attention to lights that turn on and stay on.
Red and orange indicators are the most critical. Blue and green indicators usually tell you general information about your vehicle. If a red or orange light comes on, you’ll want to figure out what it’s telling you as soon as possible.
When in doubt, contact your dealer. The service department at Barbour Hendrick Honda is always ready to help answer questions and solve whatever issues you may be having with your vehicle.
Common Indicators
The easiest indicator to identify is the brake system indicator. It’s a red light that reads “BRAKE.” When you see this light, it could mean brake fluid is low or there is a malfunction in the brake system. Check your brake pedal pressure. If it’s normal, wait until you stop and check the brake fluid level. If it’s abnormal, head straight to your dealer for repairs. If you have to, downshift to slow your vehicle using engine braking.
The low oil pressure light is also a red indicator. When it lights up, pull over safely and check your oil level. If it’s low, add oil. If the indicator stays on, take your vehicle to the dealer for repairs.
The low tire pressure indicator is another common dashboard light drivers might see come on, especially as the seasons change. This indicator is yellow and looks like an exclamation mark inside parentheses (!). If it blinks and remains on, have your tires checked by the dealership. One or more of your tires may need to be replaced. If it comes on while driving, pull over safely. Check your tire pressure and inflate any tires that are low.
These are just a few of the indicators you may see on your Honda’s dashboard. If you’re concerned or need help knowing what your vehicle needs, come see us at Barbour Hendrick Honda. Our service experts will be happy to walk you through the issue and get you back on the road.
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.