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Dashboard Confessional: What Your Car’s Warning Lights Are Really Saying
Your dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree. A tiny engine icon glows. Then a red oil can blinks. Maybe the tire pressure warning pops up too.
Panic sets in.
Most drivers don’t speak “dashboard.” And with so many icons staring back, it’s easy to ignore the warnings, or worse, guess wrong and make an expensive mistake.
At Good News Auto, we believe your vehicle should never be a mystery. Owned by Chris Ferland, our Edmonton mechanic shop doesn’t just repair vehicles, we help people understand them.
From engine diagnostics to full brake services, we offer standard maintenance, engine and suspension work, brake repair, transmission services, tire sales, and more. But today, we’re focusing on the lights that matter most: the ones glowing on your dash.
These tiny indicators may seem like annoyances, but they’re your car’s way of communicating directly with you. Let’s break down what they’re really saying, no jargon, no guesswork.
Why Your Dashboard Matters More Than You Think
Modern vehicles are equipped with dozens of sensors designed to monitor performance, safety, and efficiency. When something isn't right, your car doesn’t wait for a breakdown, it sends a message.
That message appears in the form of a dashboard light.
Ignore these alerts, and you risk larger problems later. Pay attention early, and you can save money, prevent damage, and stay safer on the road.
Understanding those symbols means taking back control of your vehicle, and your peace of mind.
The Top Warning Lights You Should Never Ignore
Let’s look at the most important dashboard warnings, what they mean, and what to do if they appear.
1. Check Engine Light
It’s the one most drivers fear, and often ignore. The check engine light can signal anything from a loose gas cap to serious engine trouble.
If it’s blinking, stop the car as soon as it’s safe. That indicates a misfire, which could damage your catalytic converter.
If it’s steady, you should still book a diagnostic as soon as possible. It could be something small, or the first sign of a major issue.
Either way, your car is asking for attention.
2. Oil Pressure Warning
This red oil can means your engine isn't getting the oil it needs. That’s not just a suggestion, it’s a red flag.
Low oil pressure can destroy an engine within minutes. Pull over, turn off the vehicle, and do not continue driving. Call us right away so we can assess it properly.
Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. Without it, metal grinds against metal. And that always ends badly.
3. Battery Light
If the battery icon lights up while driving, your vehicle might not be charging the battery. This could stem from a failing alternator, a bad connection, or an aging battery.
The battery might still have charge, but once it runs out, your engine won’t restart.
The good news? We can test your battery and charging system in minutes. Better safe than stuck in a parking lot.
4. Brake Warning Light
Your brakes are your car’s most important safety system. If this light comes on, don’t ignore it.
It could mean:
- Brake fluid is low
- Your pads are worn
- A sensor is failing
- There’s air in the brake lines
Some vehicles have a separate ABS warning light for the anti-lock braking system. Either way, this is not a light to postpone. Bring your car in for inspection before your stopping power fades when you need it most.
5. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
This icon looks like a flat tire with an exclamation point. It warns you that one or more tires are underinflated.
Low tire pressure affects fuel economy, handling, and safety, especially in cold weather when pressure can drop quickly.
We’ll check your tire pressure and look for leaks or punctures. Often, it’s a quick fix that makes a big difference in how your car drives.
6. Coolant Temperature Warning
This light shows a thermometer over waves. If it’s on, your engine is overheating.
Don’t risk driving further. Stop safely, wait for the engine to cool, and call us. Driving with an overheated engine can lead to warped heads or a blown gasket—both costly repairs.
Coolant helps regulate engine temperature. If it’s leaking or low, your car needs attention fast.
7. Airbag or SRS Warning
This light indicates an issue with your airbag system. While it doesn’t affect daily driving, it does compromise your safety in a crash.
Airbags may not deploy properly, or at all, when this light is on. That’s why we recommend addressing it right away. You never want to find out during an accident that your airbag wasn’t ready.
8. Traction Control Light
This icon shows a car with squiggly lines behind it. It means your traction or stability control system is engaged, or there’s a fault in the system.
If it flashes while you’re driving in snow or rain, that’s normal. But if it stays on, we should run a diagnostic to ensure your traction system is fully functional, especially in Alberta’s slippery winters.
Why Guessing Isn’t Good Enough
We often meet customers who’ve Googled their warning light and guessed at the issue. That’s understandable, but risky.
Vehicles are complex, and similar symptoms can point to very different problems. A blinking check engine light could mean a minor spark plug issue, or it could mean your engine is misfiring and causing long-term damage.
That’s why our team at Good News Auto uses advanced diagnostic tools. We pinpoint the problem, explain it in plain language, and give you a transparent estimate before doing any work.
We take pride in providing clear answers and honest advice, no pressure, no surprises.
Prevention Is Cheaper Than Repairs
Many warning lights appear because routine maintenance has been missed. That’s why regular servicing matters more than most drivers realize.
By staying ahead of scheduled oil changes, brake checks, fluid top-ups, and tire rotations, you reduce the chances of dashboard lights ever appearing. It’s not just about maintenance, it’s about protecting your investment.
And at Good News Auto, we make that easy. Our services are affordable, and our mechanics take time to explain every step.
Fix It Forward Still Starts Here
Every time you come in for an oil change or diagnostic service, you’re also helping someone else through our Fix It Forward program.
That’s right. Your visit to Good News Auto supports our mission of repairing vehicles for community members who can't afford it. People facing real-life challenges get back on the road because of customers like you.
So when your dashboard light comes on, you're not just fixing your car. You're fueling a larger movement of care, dignity, and mobility in Edmonton.
Book Your Appointment Today
Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a major repair. If any of your dashboard warning lights are on, or if your car just doesn’t feel right, trust our team to give you clear answers and trustworthy service.
Contact us today for a complimentary estimate, customized to meet your needs and preferences.
Book online at:
https://www.goodnewsauto.ca/book-appointment
Or call:
780-485-1993
At Good News Auto, we don’t just fix cars. We help people move forward, safely, confidently, and without confusion. Let’s turn those warning lights into solutions. One honest repair at a time.