Dashboard warning lights are easy to ignore — until the car stops in the middle of the road or a small repair turns into a major expense. At Wheel Force Centre, we see every type of warning light on daily basis, so we’ve created a simple, practical guide to the five most important dashboard lights and what to do when they appear.
Check Engine Light (MIL)
How it looks: Outline of an engine / “CHECK ENGINE” message.
Meaning: Something in the engine or emission system isn’t functioning properly. The reasons range from a loose fuel cap to ignition issues or sensor failures.
What to do:
Steady light: Safe to drive carefully to the workshop — book a diagnostic soon.
Flashing light: Serious misfire — stop driving and call for help immediately.
How Wheel Force Centre helps:
Full OBD-II diagnostic scan, ignition system inspection, fuel & emission tests, quick and cost-effective repair plan.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
How it looks: Outline of an engine / “CHECK ENGINE” message.
Meaning: Something in the engine or emission system isn’t functioning properly. The reasons range from a loose fuel cap to ignition issues or sensor failures.
What to do:
Steady light: Safe to drive carefully to the workshop — book a diagnostic soon.
Flashing light: Serious misfire — stop driving and call for help immediately.
How Wheel Force Centre helps:
Full OBD-II diagnostic scan, ignition system inspection, fuel & emission tests, quick and cost-effective repair plan.
Battery / Charging System Light
How it looks: Battery symbol.
Meaning: The battery is not charging — alternator, wiring, belt or battery problem.
What to do:
If the car is still running, you can drive to the workshop cautiously — but the vehicle may stall soon as the charge drains. If it stalls, you’ll need assistance.
How Wheel Force Centre helps:
Battery and alternator testing, charging system repair, belt replacement, battery replacement with warranty.
Brake System or ABS Light
How it looks:
Circle with exclamation mark = brake system
ABS = anti-lock braking fault
What it means:
Low brake fluid
Parking brake engaged
Worn brake pads
ABS sensor/module fault
What to do:
If brakes feel soft / car pulls / pedal sinks → stop driving immediately.
If only ABS is lit and brakes feel normal → drive carefully to the workshop (ABS safety is disabled).
How Wheel Force Centre helps:
Brake pad & rotor replacement, brake fluid service, ABS sensor and module diagnostics, hydraulic system repairs.
Engine Temperature Warning (Overheating)
How it looks: Thermometer symbol / temperature gauge.
Meaning: The engine is too hot — likely coolant leak, fan failure, thermostat issue, or blocked radiator.
What to do:
Stop driving immediately.
Turn off the engine and let it cool. Opening the radiator cap while hot is dangerous.
How Wheel Force Centre helps:
Coolant system pressure test, radiator & fan repairs, thermostat & water pump replacement, coolant top-up and flush.
Why you shouldn’t ignore dashboard warnings
90% of dashboard light emergencies we repair at Wheel Force Centre start as minor issues that were ignored — for example:
A ₹2,500 brake pad delay turning into a ₹25,000 rotor + sensor job
Low coolant leading to overheating and head gasket failure
Mild misfires damaging spark plugs → ignition coils → catalytic converter
A small alert today can prevent a big expense tomorrow.
How Wheel Force Centre can help
Whether your car has a single dashboard warning or multiple lights shown together, we offer:
Professional OBD-II scanning & code explanation
System-wise inspection (engine, brakes, electrical, cooling, ABS)
Repairs using OEM/OES parts
Transparent pricing and clear approval before starting work
Same-day service for most warning-light cases
Final reassurance
If a warning light is glowing right now — don’t panic. Most issues are fixable and safe if addressed early. Bring your car to Wheel Force Centre and we’ll diagnose it quickly and explain the solution in plain language. www.wheelforcecentre.com
Deepa is the Brand Manager of wheelforcecentre.
