Car dashboard warning lights glowing at night

A dashboard warning light isn’t decoration — it’s your car asking for help. Here are the 8 lights drivers ask us about most, what each one means, and how urgent it really is. Tap a light to jump to it.

CHECK ENGINEOIL PRESSUREBATTERY / CHARGINGCOOLANT TEMPERATURETIRE PRESSURE (TPMS)BRAKE SYSTEMABSAIRBAG (SRS)

Dashboard warning lights: check engine symbol

CHECK ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE

The engine computer detected a problem — anything from a loose gas cap to a failing sensor.

CHECK SOON — Get it checked soon. If the light FLASHES, slow down and stop as soon as it’s safe.

Start with a code scan — sensors, ignition parts and more are in our catalog.

Oil pressure warning light symbol

OIL PRESSURE

OIL PRESSURE

Oil pressure is dangerously low; the engine is being starved of oil.

STOP NOW — Stop the engine now. Driving even one more minute can destroy it.

Check the oil level first; pumps, switches and filters are in our catalog.

Battery charging warning light symbol

BATTERY / CHARGING

BATTERY / CHARGING

The charging system isn’t keeping up — battery, alternator or drive belt.

CHECK SOON — You can usually drive a short distance — head straight to a garage or to us.

Batteries, alternators and starters are on our shelves — see Starting & Charging in our catalog.

Coolant temperature warning light symbol

COOLANT TEMPERATURE

COOLANT TEMPERATURE

The engine is overheating.

STOP NOW — Pull over, switch off, and let it cool down. Never open a hot radiator cap.

Coolant, thermostats, hoses and water pumps are in our catalog.

Tire pressure (TPMS) warning light symbol

TIRE PRESSURE (TPMS)

TIRE PRESSURE (TPMS)

One or more tires is significantly under-inflated.

CHECK SOON — Slow down and check pressures at the next stop; look for a puncture.

Valves, sensors and tire accessories are available in store and in our catalog.

Brake system warning light symbol

BRAKE SYSTEM

BRAKE SYSTEM

It could be the parking brake — or low brake fluid or a hydraulic fault.

STOP NOW — If it’s not the parking brake, do not drive. Test the pedal before moving.

Pads, rotors, fluid and hydraulics — our biggest department, all in our catalog.

ABS warning light symbol

ABS

ABS

The anti-lock braking system has a fault. Normal braking still works.

CHECK SOON — Drive carefully, leave more distance, and get it checked.

Wheel-speed sensors and chassis parts are in our catalog.

Airbag (SRS) warning light symbol

AIRBAG (SRS)

AIRBAG (SRS)

A fault in the airbag system; the airbags may not deploy in a crash.

CHECK SOON — The car drives normally, but get it inspected promptly.

Ask our counter — we’ll point you to the right part or a specialist. Reach us through our catalog page.

A light on right now? Don’t guess — call 514-739-3311 (toll-free 1-800-361-7343) or visit us in Mont-Royal or Laval.

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