Know Those Warning Lights So You Know When to Get Vehicle Service.

What Does the Car Skidding Warning Light Mean?

On the instrument cluster of your vehicle are several different lights that may illuminate at any given time. Some symbols are easy to understand, but others can be confusing. For example, what does that car-skidding warning light mean? Does it mean that you are losing control or something else entirely? Allow us to explain.

When you see the symbol of a car with squiggly lines behind it become illuminated, and likely flashing, it indicates that your vehicle stability assist program is engaged. The exception would be if the symbol has OFF underneath it, which means your vehicle stability assist system has been turned off.

What Does the Vehicle Stability Assist System Do?

Put simply, the vehicle stability assist system, as you might have guessed, helps stabilize the vehicle. If your vehicle seems like it’s slipping a bit either in rough road conditions or when taking a corner too fast, the system can kick in to help keep things on the right track by adjusting the engine output and braking.

Again, if you see that symbol blinking, then stopping shortly after, it likely just means the system was engaged. It’s a good warning to maybe slow things down a bit. If it remains illuminated, it could indicate a problem with the system.

What Does the Exclamation Point Light Mean?

Several lights in your Honda vehicle’s dashboard have an exclamation point as a part of the symbol. These draw the eye and gain attention, so you can address the issue quickly. Let’s look at these different lights.

• Red exclamation in circle: This light is tied to your braking system and indicates a problem or interference. Safely pull over and park your vehicle—since brakes are your first line of defense, it’s good to call our experts immediately.
• Yellow exclamation with treads: The half circles and tread are made to imitate a tire, which is what this light is connected to. Specifically, this light is part of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System—if it comes on, one or more of your tires has low air pressure and will need to be inflated.
• Yellow exclamation with steering wheel: This light refers to your electric power steering system. When it comes on, it means there is a malfunction in the EPS. Drive safely and pull over to call us and discuss your next steps.

You can count on our team to diagnose the issue and provide an expert repair plan. Be sure to get in touch ASAP.

Other Red Lights That Require Service

Your Honda vehicle is equipped with sensors in various parts to ensure they are running effectively and that you know as soon as there is an issue. Here are more warning lights that appear in red. Each is best left in the hands of our Honda technicians.

• Oil can: This light means that your oil pressure is low, likely due to a lowered oil level. This could be the result of a leak. Since your engine needs that lubrication and heat absorption to drive, pull over and call our service center for assistance.
• Car battery: A red battery-shaped light means your vehicle’s charging system is facing issues. Your car battery is likely near the end of its potency. Call us to schedule a repair or replacement.
• Buckled driver with circle: This symbol shows an airbag inflating to protect a passenger. When lit in red, there is a problem detected with the airbags, meaning they may not deploy in the event of an impact. Keep yourself safe and call for roadside assistance for your next steps.

By staying alert and aware of these warning lights, you can give your Honda the expert service it needs.

What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?

You’ve likely seen it frequently if you’ve been driving for a long time—the yellow engine icon can refer to a variety of concerns. Your Honda vehicle’s motor is comprised of many different parts, so there are multiple potential causes for this light to engage. Here are a few probable causes.

• Oil change required
• Loose gas cap
• Spark plug replacement required
• Catalytic converter issue
• Airflow sensor issue

Our team of Honda technicians can inspect your car’s engine and find the issue. Contact us and schedule your visit to get your check engine light checked out.

What Do Other Honda Dashboard Warning Symbols Mean?

If you are now wondering what some of the other dashboard warning lights mean, we can help. We can speak for Honda vehicles and their intricacies, and our team of Honda experts at the service center can help get your ride back into shape for the next adventure.

To learn more about your Honda or other automotive tips and tricks, check out the Hilton Head Honda blog.