The Tire Pressure Monitoring System or TPMS lets you know when any tire is incorrectly inflated. Each wheel has a sensor that communicates with your car’s computer. While some cars will alert you if a tire is overinflated, the more common condition is underinflation. Underinflated tires wear out prematurely and handle poorly in bad weather. When inflating your tires, the proper pressure can be found on the sticker on the inside of the driver-side door frame.

The Service Due Warning is a preset program in your car’s computer that lets you know regular maintenance is due. Most commonly, this is an oil change, but other services such as tire rotation, air filters or transmission fluid change may also be indicated by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Regular maintenance, which is key to the long life of any vehicle, allows you to take advantage of standard or extended warranties. The regular maintenance schedule is usually outlined in the vehicle’s user manual.

The Brake Warning light most often means that you forgot to release the parking brake. However, after you’ve checked that the parking brake is off, if this warning light is still on, it often means there’s a problem with the vehicle’s main braking system. You need to see a service professional right away because this can be a dangerous condition.

The Anti-Lock Braking System or Traction Control warnings may flash briefly while driving when these systems activate, but if they remain on, there is likely a problem. This does not mean that your main brakes are not working, but it does mean that the additional safety systems will not operate if you are in poor driving conditions or an emergency. You should use caution until you can have your vehicle diagnosed by a service professional.

Oil Pressure and Temperature Warnings indicate engine system problems that should be addressed quickly. Lack of oil pressure or temperature regulation issues can create serious internal damage to your engine.



The Check Engine Light  or Service Engine Soon light is a broad indicator that can be triggered by a wide variety of issues, from emissions system concerns to problems with engine components. Even if your vehicle seems like it is running fine, you should get to your service professional as soon as possible, to have the problem diagnosed and make a plan for repair. If the check engine light is flashing, you should have your vehicle towed to a service professional, to avoid serious engine damage.