Understanding what Honda dashboard warning symbols mean can help you address potential car issues before they become serious. These symbols are your vehicle’s way of communicating its condition, offering important clues about what might need attention. Knowing how to interpret them is key to staying safe on the road and keeping your car in good shape.
Understanding Dashboard Light Colors
The colors of dashboard lights are a quick way to gauge how serious an issue might be.
- Green or Blue Lights: These lights simply indicate that a system is active. For instance, when your high beams are on, a blue light will appear.
- Yellow or Amber Lights: These lights suggest something may need attention soon. While it’s not an emergency, it’s a good idea to have the issue checked before it worsens.
- Red Lights: Red is a signal for immediate action. When you see a red warning light, it means there’s a problem that could affect your safety or damage your car if not addressed promptly.
The Most Common Honda Dashboard Symbols
Let’s explore some of the symbols you might encounter in your Honda and what they mean.
- Check Engine Light: This light looks like a small engine. It can indicate minor issues like a loose gas cap or serious problems like an engine malfunction. If the light is flashing, stop driving and seek professional help.
- Battery Warning Light: Represented by a battery symbol, this light means there’s an issue with the charging system. It could be a sign of a failing alternator or battery that needs attention soon.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light: Shaped like an oil can, this light signals low oil pressure. Continuing to drive could damage the engine, so pull over safely and check the oil level.
- Brake System Warning Light: This light could show as an exclamation mark in a circle or simply the word "BRAKE." It may indicate low brake fluid, a parking brake that’s still engaged, or a malfunction in the braking system.
- ABS Warning Light: If you see "ABS," it’s telling you there’s a problem with the anti-lock braking system. Your brakes will still work, but they might not perform as intended in emergencies.
- Tire Pressure Warning Light: This light looks like a cross-section of a tire with an exclamation mark. It’s a sign that one or more tires are underinflated, which can affect handling and safety.
- Airbag Warning Light: This symbol resembles a seated figure with a circle. It means there’s an issue with the airbag system, and they may not deploy in an accident.
- Vehicle Stability Assist Light: Shown as a car with wavy lines, this indicates a problem with the system that helps keep the car stable on slippery roads or during turns.
- Power Steering Warning Light: If you notice a steering wheel icon with an exclamation mark, it means the power steering system may not be functioning properly, making the car harder to steer.
Why You Should Address Warning Lights Quickly
Dashboard warning symbols are your car’s way of communicating with you. Ignoring them can lead to costly repairs or even safety hazards. For example, driving with low oil pressure can cause severe engine damage, and ignoring brake system warnings could put you at risk on the road.
When you notice a warning light, the best approach is to get it checked by a professional. At Great Lakes Honda West, located at 823 Leona St in Elyria, OH, we’re here to help. Our Service Center is equipped to diagnose and resolve any dashboard warnings, ensuring your vehicle stays in excellent condition.
You can schedule an appointment through our website or call us directly. Our team is dedicated to keeping you and your car safe.
Drive Confidently with Proper Care
Understanding what Honda dashboard warning symbols mean helps you take action when needed. Whether it’s a simple fix like adjusting tire pressure or a more complex issue, knowing what these lights indicate can save you time, money, and stress. Trust our team at Great Lakes Honda West to provide the expert care your Honda deserves.