The Check Engine Light:

Every new vehicle now comes with OBD-II - On Board Diagnostics 2. This system connects to sensors all over the vehicle, engine, fuel and emissions system. The check engine light is designed to come on when there is a problem or defective area within the system.  If the check engine light comes on, take the vehicle into a quality service center, such as john’s Auto Parts.

The Service Engine Light:

This light might come on for two different reasons.  It may come on in addition to your “check engine light” if there is something seriously wrong with the vehicle.  Another reason it would come on would be as an indicator that it is time to service the vehicle.   Depending on the manufacture, newer vehicles will count the miles before it comes on, while on others it maps engine temperatures, oil temperatures, air temperatures and other indicators of probable stress to tell you when it might be time for new oil or a service.

The Electrical Fault Light:

This warning light is different in every vehicle but normally it looks like a picture of a battery.  You'll see it come on and go off when you start your engine as part of the vehicle's self-test, but if this light comes on and stays on, it means the electrical charging system is no longer working properly. Every vehicle has an alternator and a 12v battery used to supply power to the electrical system. If the alternator becomes faulty or the drive belt should snap, then it will not be able to do its job. The longer you drive, the more your vehicle will use up the remaining juice in the battery and eventually the engine will die. This almost always requires the replacement of the alternator with a quality used or rebuilt one.

Brake Warning Light 1:

Most new vehicles have a brake warning light on the dash. Its purpose is to alert you that the safety break is on or that something is wrong in the braking system. The brake warning light does not have a standard meaning; therefore check the owners manual if the light comes on.  

Brake Warning light 2:

If you've got an ABS-equipped vehicle, you also have a second light - the ABS light. If it comes on, get it seen to as soon as possible. It means the ABS computer has diagnosed that something is amiss in the system. It could be something as simple as dirt in one of the sensors, or something as costly as an entire ABS unit replacement.

Coolant warning light:

This is normally the over-heating light.  If this light comes on it means that the level of coolant may be low and/or the engine is over heating.  Do not open the radiator cap when the engine is hot! The coolant system is pressurized and it could easily release pressure and spray you with boiling coolant. Open the radiator cap once the engine has cooled.  Top up the system with either a pre-mixed coolant bought from a shop, or with distilled water. Don't use tap water - the mineral deposits in it boil out in the cooling system and calcium gets deposited around the inside of the radiator making it less efficient, which will eventually cause it to fail. It's always best to use pre-mixed coolant, or to mix your own rather than using neat water. The coolant mixture behaves as antifreeze in winter as well as a corrosion-inhibitor to stop your engine rusting from the inside out.

Oil warning light:

Typically this light will come on if your oil pressure is too low. Low oil pressure is serious and if you continue to drive with this light on, eventually your engine will die. If the light comes on you need to shut it down immediately.  Low oil pressure can be caused by a failed oil pump, a blocked oil filter or strainer in the sump, or by low oil levels.

Low Tire Pressure Light:

This light warns that the tire inflation pressure of any one of the tires is critically low. The light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the “on” position and goes off after a few seconds. If the light stays on this is an indication that an adjustment is needed to the tire.  The amount of pounds of pressure the tire will need will be located on the side of the tire.