Car specs, recalls, fuel economy and ownership answers for every current U.S. model

A steady check-engine light usually allows cautious driving long enough to arrange a diagnosis, while a flashing light commonly indicates an active misfire that can overheat the catalytic converter. Reduce load immediately and treat a persistent flash as a stop-driving condition.

An oil-pressure warning is not an oil-change reminder. Shut the engine off as soon as it is safe, check the level on level ground after waiting, and do not restart if the level is empty, a leak is visible, or the warning remains on.

Turn off the air conditioning, reduce load, and pull over promptly. Steam, a red temperature warning, or a gauge in the hot zone means the engine should be shut down and allowed to cool fully before any inspection.

The battery icon usually means the charging system is not maintaining voltage, not simply that the battery is old. Turn off nonessential electrical loads and reach a safe stopping point; the engine may stop once stored battery energy is exhausted.

A red brake warning can mean the parking brake is applied, brake fluid is low, or a hydraulic fault exists. Confirm the parking brake is fully released; if the pedal feels soft, fluid is low, or braking changes, do not continue driving.

An ABS warning often means conventional braking remains but anti-lock control, and sometimes stability or traction functions, may be disabled. Drive only cautiously to diagnosis if the red brake light is off and pedal feel is completely normal.