Dashboard warning lights tend to vary in design depending on several factors, such as the car’s year, make, and model. However, auto manufacturers typically adhere to a common color-coded system for warning lights. A flashing red light typically means there’s something wrong with your car. It’s your vehicle’s way of telling you that a faulty part or system needs your immediate attention.
If you find a red blinking light on the dashboard after locking your car, this means your vehicle’s immobilizer system is working. This is called the security indicator light, which starts flashing after removing the key from the ignition.
When this light is on, the engine won’t start if someone tries to start your car without your key. It turns off after you slide the key back into the ignition.
The security indicator light isn’t the only flashing red light you’ll see in your car. On occasion, you might encounter some of these dashboard warning lights as well:
The battery warning light will turn on for a few seconds after you start the vehicle.
However, if the light stays on while you’re driving the vehicle, this means there’s an issue with your car battery. This can range from a corroded wire to a faulty alternator. In some cases, a weak battery can also trigger the indicator light.
Whatever the cause might be, you’re likely to notice a loss of power as you drive. Your vehicle can also stall or break down, so it’s best to avoid driving until you address the issue.
The check engine light can sometimes turn red when your car detects a critical issue with your vehicle. It’s your car’s way of warning you about your overheating engine, low oil pressure, or other similar problems.
If your check engine light is a steady red, it’s best to stop driving. Don’t ever ignore it or the problem might get worse, leading to a pricier repair bill.
A triggered brake system warning light isn’t usually a cause for concern. In most cases, it simply indicates that the parking brake is engaged. However, if it stays on even after you disengage the parking brake, then this means there’s an issue with your brakes.
Your vehicle might be due for a parking brake adjustment or a brake pad replacement. Either way, it’s important to check your brakes as soon as possible for your own safety.
When your vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) detects an issue with your tires, it’ll trigger the TPMS light on your dashboard.
A red TPMS light usually means at least one of your tires has insufficient air pressure, so you’ll have to park somewhere safe and check each tire’s air pressure. Look for any nails or sharp objects that might have punctured your tires.
In some cases, an illuminated TPMS light can also indicate a problem with the TPMS itself. The sensor might be faulty, preventing the system from correctly measuring the air in your tires.
If the flashing red light on your dashboard is the transmission light, then this means your transmission system is facing a big problem. This can point to low transmission fluid levels, damaged bearings, or faulty sensors. Letting any of these issues get worse can lead to further damage that can eventually cause your transmission to fail.
Repairing your transmission system won’t come cheap, so it’s best to tackle the problem head-on before it gets worse.
In most vehicles, dashboard warning lights glow in different colors to show the nature of the problem.
A green or blue light typically means a system is working as it should, while an orange or yellow light indicates that there’s a problem you should look into at your earliest convenience.
If the blinking light is red, however, this means there’s an issue that calls for your immediate attention. Some people might see these red warning lights as nothing more than a prelude to another inconvenient trip to the mechanic, but they’re so much more than that.
These warning lights are a timely way for your vehicle to let you know that a system or a crucial part has failed, saving you from a potential disaster on the road.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.