You’re driving along on a beautiful summer day. You have the windows down and the radio on. You know you’ve been conscientious about keeping your car inspected and maintained—and yet, there it is: a warning light on your dashboard. If you’re not someone who works on their own car, you may be tempted to freak out. Well, don’t.

Those dashboard warning lights are there for your protection, and not all of them mean you’re looking ahead to an imminent breakdownor a costly repair. In some cases the solution is quite simple, but knowing the difference between a quick fix and a costly repair can make all the difference in your piece of mind. Let’s take a look at 6 of the most common dashboard warning lights and what they mean for you as the driver.

Check Engine
Perhaps the most troubling dashboard warning is the “Check Engine” light. It’s tempting to think that this means your engine is on the verge of complete and catastrophic failure. Take a breath. In the vast majority of cases, that’s not true. Today’s cars are outfitted with a wide array of sensors designed to measure everything from airflow to exhaust, from sparkplugs to gas caps—all to ensure everything is working as it should. The “Check Engine” light embraces a wide range of possible problems, few of which demand that you pull over and get a tow immediately. A failing catalytic converter, for example, may trigger the engine light but may not show observable symptoms for days or weeks. That does NOT mean it’s ok to neglect the problem, but you can usually drive home safely before your groceries melt. “Check Engine” could also mean something simple as needing an spark plug replacement or that you didn’t fully secure the gas cap after your last fill-up. The key is: don’t freak out. Make an appointment to get the car checked out by a licensed mechanic, who will be able to diagnose the problem.

Engine Temperature
We’ve all seen cars overheated along the roadside, hood up, steam billowing skyward. And nobody wants to be in that position. The temperature warning means that, yes, your engine is running hot and may overheat. Some newer cars will actually tell you when the engine is merely hot or when it is in danger of imminent overheating. If this light comes on, you’re going to need to get to a service location soon. But there are a few things you can try to give yourself a little more time. Shut off the AC, and set the blower to the warmest temperature and the highest fan setting. This will draw some of the engine heat off and help your coolant reach the most needed parts of the engine. If the engine DOES overheat, pull over at the next safe location and call for a professional. To avoid injury do to escaping steam or superheated fluids, don’t open the hood for 20 to 30 minutes. Often the problem is simply a failed hose, sometimes it’s more complex, but that’s for the pros to diagnose

Battery
Your battery light measures the health of your car’s recharging system—including the battery itself and the alternator.If your light comes on, it can mean your battery needs replacing or that the alternator is not recharging the battery as it should while the engine is running. (Old cars may still have an “ALT” light, though in new cars the alternator function is covered by the battery light.). If your alternator is failing, you may notice a reduction in the electrical functioning of your vehicle—anything from inability to hold radio station presets to dim headlamps. Without a functioning alternator, your car is on battery power only and the battery is not being sufficiently recharged, so you’ll need to get to a service center as soon as possible.

Tire Pressure
Many newer cars have tire pressure sensors that alert you when one or more tires are underinflated. Often this indicates a slow leak (as when a foreign object like a nail becomes embedded in the tire and compromises the inner tube). Sometimes you’ll be able to spot the offending object with just a quick stop and a visual inspection. Don’t remove the object, but do get the tire inspected as soon as possible. The fix may be as simple as a patch and may not requite a replacement tire. Also, tire pressure warning lights sometimes come on when the weather is particularly cold and the air in your tires contracts. A quick pressure check at any air pump can tell you if your pressure is low. Id you fill the tire and the light comes on again, you may have a leak or other defect in the tire.

Oil Pressure
Nobody wants to see the little red oil can light up on the dash. It’s a sign that the oil pressure is low and that your engine is operating with less than the recommended amount of oil. If you’ve fallen behind on your regular maintenance and upkeep, the solution may be as simple as an oil change. Motor oil degrades over time due to temperature, friction, and contamination associated with normal use. But it may be an indication of a more serious problem. Definitely get your oil (and all your car’s fluid levels) checked by a licensed pro to rule out an oil leak that could prove costly down the road.

Brake Light
Brakes take a lot of wear in the normal operation of your vehicle. Pads and shoes require periodic replacement, and some of the more advanced antilock braking systems (ABS) experience problems of their own. One thing is for sure—you want to have the full use of your car’s braking power when your behind the wheel. So don’t neglect your brake warning light. Make an appointment at your local service center and have the brakes checked.

We hope that with these tips in mind you’ll travel safely and enjoy your summer!

About Main Line Transmission: Since 1987, Main Line Transmissions has given drivers in the Wayne, Devon, Berwyn, Paoli, Malvern, Exton West Chester and surrounding areas the best transmission service available. Working only on transmissions of every make or model, our technicians are experts through certification, continual training and years of experience.