Feb 23, 2024

Your Chevy’s dashboard warning lights alert you when something’s wrong; paying attention to these warnings is important. Knowing the meaning of the warning lights, like the engine light, gas light, battery light, etc., can help you properly maintain your Chevy, prevent severe damage, and avoid high repair costs.

The Check Engine Warning Light

One of the most critical warning lights in your vehicle is the check engine warning light. Ignoring the check engine warning light is not an option.  It could indicate many problems, from a loose gas cap to a more complicated issue, like a malfunctioning catalytic converter. Immediately schedule an engine diagnostic appointment when the check engine warning light is on.

The Gas Warning Light

It’s a shared experience to feel a sense of dread when the gas pump icon on your car’s dashboard lights up. How many miles you can drive your Chevy after the gas warning light comes on depends on your model, your engine and tank size, how fast and where you drive your car, and how fuel-efficient it is. There is no set number of miles that you can drive.

Generally, the light appears when the tank is below 10% to 15% of its capacity. Driving for about 30 miles is safe for smaller vehicles, whereas larger vehicles can go up to 50 miles.

The Battery Warning Light

The battery warning light’s symbol is a car battery, making it easy to identify. When the light goes on when you’re driving, it warns you that there’s a charging system problem, such as an issue with the alternator, a wiring problem, an electrical fault, or a weak battery. It’s vital to pay attention to this light when it turns on.

You want to avoid getting stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery. Ask your Chevrolet technician to inspect your vehicle’s charging system and perform a battery test to determine if your battery needs replacing.

The Engine Temperature Warning Light

A thermometer with wavy lines is the engine temperature light. When the light illuminates, it’s getting too hot under the hood, and your engine is overheating. Overheating could lead to catastrophic engine damage. You should pull over immediately and switch off the engine when you notice the light is on.

Wait for at least 20 minutes before opening the hood. Once you do, check the coolant and water levels and add more if necessary. Problems with the cooling system, a faulty thermostat, or a coolant leak may cause repeated overheating. 
The warning lights go on briefly when you start your Chevy, but when a warning light stays on, your Chevy is telling you something is not functioning correctly. Call Toliver Brothers in Ballinger, TX immediately to schedule an appointment.