Understanding Warning Lights | What Your Dashboard is Telling You

At Kalispell Volkswagen, we understand that seeing a warning light illuminate on your dashboard can be a cause for concern. Your Volkswagen is equipped with a variety of warning lights, each designed to alert you to specific issues or maintenance needs. Understanding what these warning lights mean can help you address potential problems quickly and keep your vehicle running smoothly. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common warning lights and explain what actions you should take when they appear.

Engine Warning Light

The engine warning light, often represented by a symbol of an engine or the word “CHECK,” indicates an issue with your vehicle’s engine or emissions system. This light can be triggered by a range of problems, from a loose gas cap to more serious engine issues.

What to Do

– Check if your gas cap is securely tightened.
– If the light remains on, schedule a service appointment to diagnose and repair the issue.

Battery Warning Light

The battery warning light indicates a problem with your vehicle’s charging system. This could be due to a failing alternator, a bad battery, or issues with the wiring.

What to Do

– Avoid turning off your engine if the light comes on while driving.
– Head to Kalispell Volkswagen to have your charging system checked and repaired.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light, often depicted as an oil can, warns of low oil pressure. Low oil pressure can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed promptly.

What to Do

– Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
– Check your oil level and add oil if necessary.
– If the light remains on, do not continue driving; have your vehicle towed to our service center for inspection.

Brake System Warning Light

The brake warning light can indicate several issues, including low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or a problem with the ABS system.

What to Do

– Check your brake fluid level and top it off if needed.
– If the light stays on or if you notice any changes in braking performance, have your brakes inspected immediately.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light

The TPMS light indicates that one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated, which can affect your vehicle’s handling and fuel efficiency.

What to Do

– Check the air pressure in all your tires and inflate them to the recommended level.
– If the light stays on, visit us for a professional inspection to ensure there are no leaks or other issues.

Coolant Temperature Warning Light

This light warns of an overheating engine. Continuing to drive with an overheating engine can cause severe damage.

What to Do

– Pull over and turn off your engine immediately.
– Allow the engine to cool before checking coolant levels.
– If the light remains on, contact our service department for assistance.

Airbag Warning Light

This light indicates a problem with your vehicle’s airbag system. It’s crucial to address this issue promptly as it can affect your safety in the event of an accident.

What to Do

– Schedule a service appointment to have the airbag system inspected and repaired.

Now You Know

Understanding the warning lights on your Volkswagen’s dashboard is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s health and safety. If you ever see a warning light come on and are unsure of its meaning or severity, don’t hesitate to contact Kalispell Volkswagen. Our expert technicians are here to help diagnose and resolve any issues, ensuring your vehicle remains in top condition.

Schedule Your Service Today

If any of these warning lights appear on your dashboard, schedule a service appointment with Kalispell Volkswagen. Our knowledgeable and friendly team is here to provide you with exceptional service and keep your Volkswagen running smoothly.

For more information or to book your appointment, visit our SERVICE PAGE or call us at (4060 752-8989.