Common Dashboard Lights | Greenville SC | Near Spartanburg, Anderson & throughout the Upstate

What Do the Lights on My Dashboard Mean in Greenville, SC?

We've all been there. You're driving along when suddenly a bright red light illuminates on your dashboard. Your heart starts racing: "What is that? What does it mean? Should I go to the nearest service center or try to get home?" The last thing you want to do is make the wrong decision. But how can you be sure which lights are harmless, like the high beam indicator (or the "brights"), and which ones are warnings for serious engine issues, like the check engine light? You don't have time to consult your owner's manual every time you see a strange light, but you also don't want to ignore it and risk damage to your vehicle.

The team at Audi Greenville is here to help. We've crafted a handy list of common dashboard lights and what they mean, so you can stay informed without having to whip out your owner's manual every few minutes.

Check Engine or Malfunction Indicator Light

Here's one that most ignore, but that could impact your vehicle's engine and performance permanently. If this light flickers on, your powertrain could be operating abnormally. Bring your model in for an inspection by one of our expert technicians ASAP.

Coolant Temperature Warning Light

Park your vehicle in a safe spot and turn off its engine. The temperature of your model has increased to an unsafe temperature, so letting it rest and cool down is imperative.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

Did you miss your last oil change? If the oil pressure warning light turns on, that means your oil pressure is low. Bring your model in for an oil and filter change when you have the chance!

Battery/Charging Warning Light

You’ll want to park and pop the hood if the battery warning light turns on. It’s indicating that your car’s battery voltage is low — either due to faulty wiring, a broken fan belt or the age of your battery — so if you can’t find anything wrong, give one of our technicians a call.

Door Ajar Indicator Light

Here’s an easy one — just close your door or trunk! Double check all doors and continue driving.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Light

If your tire pressure monitoring system light has turned on, it's a quick fix. Simply use a gas station's complimentary air pump to fill your tires with the correct poundage of air listed in your owner's manual. The light should turn off on its own once your tire pressure is back to normal.

Brake System Light

There are many reasons why your brake system light could flash on your dashboard: the brake fluid is low, your parking brake is engaged while you're driving, there's an ABS problem or there is an issue with your braking system altogether. Bring your model in to be inspected if releasing the parking brake doesn't immediately turn off this light.

Traction Control Indicator Light

Uh oh — that sudden downpour could impact your vehicle's traction on the road. You'll see this icon light up when you're driving through inclement weather and your vehicle's traction control is engaged. Just drive carefully to your destination — there's no need to bring your model to us.

Security Indicator Light

Make an appointment with our team for an inspection if your security indicator light has turned on. There is a malfunction in your car's security system, and to ensure that your model is safe no matter where it's parked, let's get that fixed ASAP.

Cruise Control Indicator Light

Cruise control has been activated.

If your car is ready for its regularly scheduled maintenance or if your car needs more extensive repair, visit Audi Greenville at 200 Duvall Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 or contact us online if you have any questions you’d like answered first. Our knowledgeable service technicians look forward to serving customers from Spartanburg, Anderson and throughout the Upstate.