What the most common dashboard warning lights mean & why to pay attention

For many of us a car is central to our daily routine, and unexpected car troubles can be huge disruption to the flow — not to mention a financial expense. When problems emerge, don’t panic, but don’t ignore them. Here are a few common lights that might appear on your car’s dashboard, what they mean, and how much a replacement part could cost.

The dreaded “Check Engine” light. The good news is that the check engine light is often as simple as a gas cap that needs to be screwed on a little tighter. Other causes: faulty oxygen sensor ($200), malfunctioning mass airflow sensor ($375), misfiring spark plugs (up to $300) and broken catalytic converter (possibly more than $2,000). Why pay attention? These problems can reduce your fuel efficiency or eventually leave you stranded on the side of the road.

The “Brake!” and “ABS” warning light.  These lights can be amber or red, but red lights mean business. The Brake and ABS light typically means a part of your brake system is failing — your break pads could be worn down too low or you’re losing your master cylinder. In any case, it’s about safety, so have it checked right away.

The “Battery” and “Charge” warning light.  The battery light often means your battery is worn out ($50 to $100 to replace). It could also indicate that your alternator is getting weak (up to $500). The best thing to do is to stop by an auto parts store and asked them to test the battery and alternator — it’s free at most large chains!

Engine oil pressure light.  When the engine oil pressure light comes on, first check if your oil is low. After the car is warmed up, park it on a level surface, pop the hood and check the oil dipstick. Remember to wipe it off first and then re-dip for an accurate reading to see if it’s below the low-oil mark. If you haven’t gotten an oil change recently, this might be a good time! Otherwise, it’s trip to the mechanic.

Low tire pressure warning. This light means at least one of your tires is low — it might not be visible from looking at the tires themselves. You will see this light come on more often in sudden cold snaps — add a little bit of air and the light should go off automatically. If it keeps coming on, have your tires checked for a slow leak or nail.